Bangkok: 'Chulaphan' has accepted a proposal from the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) to request the Cabinet to extend work permits for foreign workers of four nationalities. This move aims to tackle a labor shortage in Thailand, which has reached a deficit of 500,000 workers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, the Minister of Labour, represented the Cabinet in receiving a letter outlining solutions to the labor shortage from the Joint Committee of the Three Private Sector Institutions (JCC), led by Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The JSCCIB highlighted that the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors have been experiencing a significant labor shortage. Several factors contribute to this issue, including tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and competition from other countries importing labor from Myanmar. This situation has led to a reduction in the number of Myanmar workers entering Thailand, particularly male workers, resulting in a deficit of up to 500,000 people.
The JSCCIB proposed that the government urgently consider measures to extend work permits for foreign workers of four nationalities residing in Thailand-Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They also recommended developing a long-term labor replacement plan by expanding the base of imported labor to countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The JSCCIB stressed that addressing this issue promptly will support the government's economic policies to achieve tangible outcomes.
Labour Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat acknowledged the reality of Thailand's labor shortage and emphasized the importance of extending work permits for the foreign workers already in the country to avoid economic stagnation. He noted the necessity of distinguishing border tensions as government-to-government issues rather than matters between citizens.
Mr. Chulaphan affirmed his commitment to expediting the proposal's submission to the Cabinet for consideration. He directed the Cabinet to issue policy directives to address the status of migrant workers currently in Thailand but considered illegal due to registration delays, allowing them to enter the system legally. The decision to open border checkpoints for importing a new batch of workers will depend on overall government policy.
Regarding the importation of labor from new groups such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia, the Minister stated that the Ministry of Labour acknowledges the need and has been actively working towards this, with plans to sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in the future.