Myanmar workers at Won Sinh Technology factory in Chonburi, Thailand have reported experiencing discrimination and oppression from their employers. The factory, which employs over 900 Myanmar workers alongside Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese workers, has been specifically targeting Myanmar workers with unfair treatment. Workers report that the factory has been terminating employees without compensation and cause, while also implementing irregular work schedules that severely impact their livelihoods.
The factory initially recruited workers during peak production periods, but after the Chinese New Year holiday, they began implementing irregular work schedules where workers would alternate between working one day and taking one day off. Some workers were forced to take three to four days off before being allowed to work for just one day. The factory has ignored requests for daily wage compensation during forced off days. Despite Thai government regulations setting the minimum daily wage at 400 baht, the factory operates on a contract system. Workers also face immediate termination for even a single unauthorized absence. When workers attempt to address these issues, they are caught in an endless cycle between factory management and brokers, with neither party taking responsibility for resolving their concerns.
Workers who formally resign from the factory are issued fake work permits, making it difficult for them to find employment at other facilities. The cost of obtaining a new work permit amounts to approximately one million Myanmar kyat (around 10 lakhs). Due to these oppressive conditions, workers have attempted to organize protests to demand better treatment. However, the factory has responded by terminating those who participated in such protests. The situation highlights the ongoing exploitation of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, where they face systematic discrimination and lack proper channels for addressing their grievances.
