BANGKOK, 2 June 2015 – The Cabinet has agreed with the Foreign Ministry’s idea to solve the labor shortage problem in border areas through the adjustment of border regulations.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Maj Gen Weerachon Sukontapatipak revealed that the Cabinet gave a nod during its meeting this week to a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for changes to Thailand’s cross-border transport agreements with its neighboring countries. With a goal to bring more foreign workers to special economic zones on the Thai side, especially in Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, the ministry suggested that the existing treaties with Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia be amended to provide more convenience for prospective workers.
The new features would mainly concern workers entering the Kingdom for seasonal employment, such as the expansion of their permitted area of stay to cover special economic zones and the extension of their maximum period of stay to 30 days per visit.
Besides ensuring sufficient workforce along the border, the more worker-friendly regulations are also expected to help boost trade and investment as a result.
