A Study of Migrant Workers in Surat Thani Province of Southern Thailand

The present study attempts to understand problems faced by migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia in twelve districts of the Surat Thani Province of Thailand.The primary data was collected from 306 migrant workers.Most of these workers had migrated to Thailand due to political and economic instability and a lack of employment opportunities in their countries.According to these workers, the process of applying for a work permit was complicated.Also, while most of them worked eight hours per day, very few received minimum wages and payment against overtime work as per the laws.The study found that the employers had confiscated the passports and work permits of more than half of the workers.Social security measures were not available to all migrant workers.Half of the workers were denied free medical care.They were not granted annual holidays and vacations.Remittance fees were high.Simplifying labour import processes and compliance with labour laws applicable to foreign workers by Thai employers will make migration safe and rewarding.