Authorities pledge ongoing support for Lao workers in Thailand

Local labour authorities will continue to coordinate with the Thai Ministry of Labour to protect the rights of Lao workers in the southern neighbour, a leading official has said.
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng, gave the assurance to officials attending the annual labour management meeting held in Vientiane on Wednesday.

During the meeting, participants reviewed progress in the sector over 2018 and shared plans for the year ahead.
The meeting reported the support of the Thai government, which has set up assistance centres in all of its provinces to register Lao workers who can prove their identity. The cooperation includes confirming nationality and providing assistance for Lao workers who do not have legal documentation in Thailand.
Dr Khampheng has visited and opened some of the assistance centres in Thailand which have been set up under a recent cooperation agreement between the two nations.
The minister advised labour officials to monitor the situation surrounding Lao workers and to provide consultations for employees and employers to ensure the protection of domestic workers abroad.
“The protection of Lao workers overseas including in Thailand is focused on women, young people, people with disabilities and the underprivileged, and respecting women’s representation and non-discrimination in the workplace,” he said.
“The Labour Management Department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare must work with relevant stakeholders, especially third-party organisations, to continue to create a legal framework under the Department, which shows that there is a labour law.”  
“We will regulate and monitor the situation of Lao workers in other countries in line with the Labour Law and regulations, to ensure we carry out the various measures and regulations,” he noted.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update March 2, 2019)