In Samut Prakan, Thailand, assistance has been successfully provided to help 120 Myanmar workers recover more than 800,000 Thai Baht in unpaid wages and overtime compensation from a fruit processing factory. According to Ko Ye Min from AAC, who assists migrant Myanmar workers in Thailand, the workers had been forced to continue working without receiving full payment for their labor and overtime hours. The case represents a significant victory for labor rights protection of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.
The factory had only paid 3,000 Baht per worker for their July wages and failed to provide overtime compensation for one and a half months. Furthermore, the management continued to force workers to work while withholding their wages, and reportedly maintained an intimidating stance by suggesting workers could complain wherever they wished, implying potential consequences. This situation highlighted the vulnerable position many Myanmar migrant workers face in their workplaces.
Ko Ye Min from AAC explained that they worked together with the M.H.A.C alliance and U Naing Htun Oo, Director of the NUG Ministry of Labor, to resolve the issue at the local Labor Protection Office. Through their coordinated efforts, they successfully secured the recovery of over 800,000 Baht in unpaid wages and overtime compensation on August 7. This resolution demonstrates the effectiveness of organized advocacy for workers’ rights and the importance of proper legal channels in addressing labor disputes.
For legal Myanmar workers in Thailand who face workplace oppression or violations of their labor rights, it has been confirmed that they can file complaints directly with M.H.A.C and the NUG Ministry of Labor. These organizations maintain an active presence in supporting and protecting the rights of Myanmar migrant workers, ensuring they have access to proper channels for addressing workplace grievances and securing their entitled compensation. This case serves as an important example of how Myanmar workers in Thailand can successfully advocate for their rights when faced with unfair labor practices.
