Ten Myanmar workers with complete legal documentation working at a construction site in Bangkok, Thailand, have filed a complaint after not receiving their wages amounting to over 200,000 Thai Baht for two months. These workers, employed as masons in the construction sector, have only been receiving minimal daily allowances for food expenses while their full wages remain unpaid. The situation has persisted for approximately two months, during which the employer has only provided enough money for basic daily sustenance.
According to Ko Ye Min from AAC, who is assisting the workers, they have been receiving only 400 to 500 Baht for daily expenses, sometimes not even reaching 1,000 Baht. The total unpaid wages for the two-month period exceed 200,000 Baht. The workers sought assistance when it became clear that the situation could not be resolved through informal negotiations. Ko Ye Min explained that the case required formal legal intervention rather than simple mediation, leading to the decision to file an official complaint.
The organizations assisting the workers have now filed a formal complaint with Thailand’s Labor Protection Office (Sawadikan) No. 2. This initial complaint marks the beginning of the legal process, and further steps will depend on the employer’s response. If the employer agrees to pay the owed wages and provides a clear timeline for payment, additional legal proceedings may not be necessary. However, if the employer refuses to comply, the case will proceed to the labor court. The authorities have summoned the employer for discussions in the coming days, and if no resolution is reached, legal action will continue according to Thai labor laws.
The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labor and other organizations are working together to address violations of Myanmar workers’ rights in Thailand. Such incidents are relatively common among Myanmar workers in Thailand, particularly in the construction sector. The systematic approach to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair compensation continues through proper legal channels. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand and the importance of having proper legal support systems in place to address labor disputes and protect workers’ rights. The organizations involved remain committed to seeing the case through until the workers receive their rightful wages and proper labor protection measures are implemented.
