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Thai Provincial Restrictions on Migrant Workers Called Human Rights Violation

Labor activist groups will stage a demonstration in Bangkok against restrictions on migrant workers imposed by Thai provincial authorities, saying they violate basic human rights.

The provincial migrant worker restrictions, first imposed in December 2006, were issued for "national security" reasons, according to provincial authorities, and include measures such as a ban on public gatherings of more than five migrant workers without prior permission, a ban on the use of mobile phones, motorcycles and cars and a curfew on migrant workers that restricts them to their quarters from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

An estimated 200,000 workers are affected by the restrictions.  Meanwhile, the Action Network for Migrant Workers held a press conference in Bangkok on Sunday to protest the same provincial policies, which are in place in Phuket, Surat Thani and Ranong provinces in the south and Rayong province in the east. The network said the restrictions might also be extended to include Chiang Mai Province in the north.

The labor groups urged authorities to repeal the provincial decrees and other policies that abuse the rights of migrants. A group statement said the restrictions adversely affect migrant workers' ability to receive health care, practice their religion and to exercise their right to education, particularly non-formal education.

“Such restrictions increase the opportunities for extortion and corruption by the authorities and the migrant communities will live in a state of increased fear," the statement said. "In addition, these decrees reinforce negative attitudes towards migrants and incite xenophobia in Thai society.”

Supatra Nakapiw of the action network said focusing the restrictions only on migrant workers from Burma, Laos and Cambodia was a clear violation of human rights, and in addition, those groups make an important contribution to economic development. “We urge the authorities to cancel the legislation and to prevent it being imposed by other provinces," he said. "The Thai government should protect the rights of migrant laborers the same as Thai workers, which would contribute to their living peacefully in the Thai community.”

The coalition of activists sent letters to the International Labour Organization, the Human Rights Commission of Thailand and the Thai Lawyer Council urging them to support the rights of migrant workers.

Adapted from:  Sai Silp. "Provincial Restrictions on Migrant Workers Called Human Rights Violation." The Irrawaddy.  30 April 2007.