Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat has met with representatives of the Thai Contractors Association under His Majesty the King’s Patronage (TCA) to address the growing shortage of foreign workers.
The situation has been exacerbated by tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and the ongoing instability in Myanmar.
The association’s president, Liza Ngamtrakulpanit, said the labour shortages are affecting construction projects nationwide.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the stay and work permits of Myanmar workers recruited under a government-to-government memorandum of understanding (MoU) who have completed their four-year employment period.
The Department of Employment and Myanmar authorities reached an agreement in principle on July 23 to waive the mandatory 30-day departure requirement for workers whose contracts expire this year. The proposal will be submitted to the Committee on Foreign Workers Policy on Management and the cabinet for approval.
The issue of temporary legalisation for undocumented workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam whose permits have expired was raised. Authorities are considering allowing eligible workers to remain and work legally in Thailand for renewable periods of up to two years.
Meanwhile, Mr Julapun said the ministry plans to facilitate the recruitment of additional workers from Myanmar.
Because land border crossings remain closed due to security concerns, Myanmar workers recruited under the MoU must enter Thailand by air. Although Thailand proposed reopening land crossings to reduce travel costs for employers and workers, Myanmar has insisted that air travel remains necessary for safety reasons.
The issue of the digital e-work permit system, allowing employers to apply for work permits, submit employment notifications and update permit information entirely online, was also discussed.