By Yoon Satt - Jan 03, 2024

Labor activists have informed Burmese workers to beware of construction jobs via agents in Thailand.

"I want Myanmar MoU workers, Ci and pink card holders to be aware of construction contractors working through the construction industry via agent. If the MoU workers change to the construction job, ask the boss to give appointment letter. Make sure that this boss acknowledge as his worker. Stop working with the contractors after getting the appointment letter. There are good guys as well as bad guys. If the migrant workers don’t get pay, it is sure that those contractors cut the wages. If the workers don’t have appointment letter and have a problem, they would said you are not my employee, you can report to anywhere you like. That is their quotes,” said a person who is assisting Burmese workers in Thailand. 

It is reported that the current construction contractors in Thailand are not paying wages to the workers, and they are not getting their wages for one to four months. Therefore, it is suggested that to ask carefully and work directly with the boss if working in construction sector in Thailand. If not working directly under the boss, it is recommended to get an appointment letter.

“Agents recircuit by saying how much they would pay. But the workers don’t get paid for one or two or three months. We have to say this as the contractors are not paying. Burmese contractors via the Thai contractors are worse. Burmese exploit Burmese. The Thais pay. Burmese contractors said that Thai contractors haven’t paid. Ask carefully whether you have to work directly under the boss or with direct appointment. If it is contractor, leave as soon as possible. Don’t listen the agents. They will only say about the good parts.

As wages are only returned after filing a complaint with the Thai authorities, the workers are facing difficulties in living and eating in the meantime, and there are ongoing requests for help from labor organizations based in Thailand.