Myanmar workers at Won Sinh Technology factory in Chonburi, Thailand have reported experiencing discrimination, oppression, and unfair dismissals without compensation. The parquet flooring factory employs over 900 Myanmar workers alongside Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese workers. Factory management has been specifically targeting Myanmar workers with discriminatory practices since after the Chinese New Year holiday period.
Workers report that the management deliberately disrupts their work schedules by implementing irregular shifts, such as alternating one day of work with one day off, or making them wait three to four days between shifts, which significantly impacts their income. The factory has also been ignoring workers’ requests for daily wage compensation during forced days off. While the Thai government mandates a daily minimum wage of 400 baht, the factory uses a contract-based payment system that undermines this requirement.
The oppressive practices include immediate termination for a single unauthorized absence and a systematic failure to address worker grievances, with both the factory management and labor brokers deflecting responsibility to each other. When workers legally resign, they are issued fake work permits that create difficulties in finding new employment and force them to incur significant expenses, reportedly around 1 million Myanmar kyat to obtain new legitimate work permits for other factories.
Although workers have attempted to protest these conditions and demand their rights, the factory management has responded by terminating those who participate in demonstrations. Currently, workers find themselves in a difficult position where they must endure unfair treatment due to fears of losing their jobs, making it challenging to openly protest against these injustices. The situation highlights the vulnerable position of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand and the need for better labor protection mechanisms.
