Bright Future, a Thai social organization working for labor rights, has officially requested the Thai Upper House to abolish the green Certificate of Identity (CI) books for Myanmar workers in Thailand and implement a single Pink Card system instead. Thai Upper House representative Thewarit Maneechai has confirmed receiving this petition. The formal request was submitted on August 5th by Bright Future organization representatives along with Myanmar worker delegates.
Mr. Weerasanthong, an official from Bright Future, revealed that the CI book system creates significant financial burden for workers and involves complicated procedures. He particularly criticized how Myanmar military authorities are exploiting this system for financial gain, pointing out that they forcefully collect 25 percent of workers’ monthly income. The current situation involves the Thai government operating at least four CI book issuance centers in cooperation with Myanmar’s military council, making it mandatory for all Myanmar workers to obtain CI books. The official highlighted that this system has become a tool for the Myanmar authorities to extort money from workers.
Currently, Myanmar citizens must possess both Pink Cards and CI books to work throughout Thailand. However, workers have expressed their preference to pay taxes only to the Thai government and contribute solely to the Thai economy. Consequently, they are requesting the Thai Ministry of Labor to completely abolish the CI book system and allow work permits based on Pink Cards alone. Thai Upper House representative Thewarit Maneechai has promised to present these requests to the Labor Affairs Committee for consideration. This initiative represents a significant effort to simplify the documentation system for Myanmar workers in Thailand while reducing their financial burden and limiting the military council’s ability to exploit workers through administrative requirements.
