MMN to launch “Migrant Agricultural Workers in Thailand” On 30 January 2020 at 11 AM

RSVP: https://forms.gle/zkyh27V8d63xnjut8

Thailand’s agriculture sector has long relied on the labour of migrant workers from neighbouring countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. This reliance has increased in recent years as Thailand’s rural population has moved away to work in urban areas. Despite growing numbers of migrants travelling to work in Thailand’s agricultural sector, existing research on this group of migrants remains limited, in part owing to difficulties in gaining access to migrant agricultural workers in geographically remote locations. The lack of public discourse on migrant agricultural workers has led to an insufficient understanding of the issues and violations common to the sector.

On 30 January 2020 at 11 AM, the Mekong Migration Network (MMN) will launch the report Migrant Agricultural Workers in Thailand at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand in Bangkok, Thailand. The report presents the findings of a three-year research project conducted by MMN, supported by Solidar Suisse on labour and migration issues in Thailand’s agricultural sector. Based on empirical research conducted on cassava, corn, rubber and palm oil plantations in different parts of Thailand, this study provides a textured account of migrants’ working experiences and proposes recommendations to improve the rights and protections afforded this group of workers.

Thai and Burmese translations will be available

The speakers are as follows:

Ms. Phattana Phanfak, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour of Thailand

Ms. Reiko Harima, Regional Coordinator, Mekong Migration Network

Mr. Brahm Press, Director, MAP Foundation

Mr. Sutthisak Rungrueangphasuk, Manager of Mae Sot Office, MAP Foundation

Ms. Wai Phyo, Women & Children Rights Trainer of Phang Nga Office, Foundation for Education & Development

Migrant Agricultural Worker Representatives

Moderated by Ms. Pranom Somwong