Myanmar workers at Won Sinh Technology factory in Chonburi, Thailand have reported experiencing discrimination and oppressive treatment. The factory, which employs over 900 Myanmar workers alongside Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese workers, has been specifically targeting Myanmar workers with discriminatory practices. Workers report that the factory has been terminating employees without cause or compensation and implementing irregular work schedules.
According to workers, the factory previously recruited additional staff during busy periods, but since after the Chinese New Year holiday, they have been implementing an irregular work schedule where workers are forced to work one day and rest the next, while some are made to rest for three to four days before being allowed to work for just one day. The factory has ignored requests for daily wage compensation during non-working days. Despite the Thai government’s minimum wage requirement of 400 baht per day, the factory operates on a contract system. Workers also report that they face immediate termination for even a single unauthorized absence.
When workers attempt to raise concerns, they are caught in a cycle of redirection between factory management and brokers, with neither party taking responsibility for addressing their issues. Those who submit formal resignation letters are given fake work permits, creating difficulties in finding new employment. Workers must spend approximately 1 million Myanmar kyat to obtain new work permits for subsequent employment. Previous attempts by workers to protest these conditions have resulted in the termination of those involved in such demonstrations.
