Revised labour agreements with Myanmar are aimed at strengthening protections for migrant workers and ensuring cross-border recruitment is conducted through legal channels, a deputy government spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the cabinet had approved the updated agreements on labour cooperation and employment, which are among several pacts that officials are expected to sign when Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visits Thailand on Thursday and Friday.
Thailand and Myanmar have cooperated on labour recruitment since 2016 under a memorandum of understanding allowing Myanmar nationals to work legally in Thailand. The documents were revised to reflect changes following the Covid-19 pandemic and developments in Myanmar.
Under the updated MoU, the labour ministries of both countries will serve as the main coordinating agencies, while expanding cooperation on labour market information sharing, skills development, exchanges of expertise and efforts to combat illegal employment and human trafficking.
The two sides will also establish joint action plans and hold regular meetings to monitor progress.
The revised employment agreement sets clearer rules on worker recruitment, contracts, work permits, labour rights, dispute resolution and repatriation, while strengthening measures against illegal immigration, human trafficking and unlawful employment.
Illegal migration to Thailand from Myanmar has increased in recent years as economic conditions have worsened since the 2021 military coup. People desperate to find work are ready prey for brokers in both countries who charge tens of thousands of baht per head.
Capt Patdarasm said the updated framework would streamline the recruitment of Myanmar workers, enhance labour protections and help employers meet labour demand through legal channels, while curbing illegal migration and trafficking.
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