Thursday 28 August 2014

When workers riot...

I would very much like to know the story behind this very article.

From Malaysia Digest, 26 August 2014, "Myanmar Workers Burn Car, Damage Factory During JB Riot."
A group of Myanmar foreign workers set ablaze a Proton Iswara Aeroback and damaged a factory in a riot at Desa Perindustrian Kulai 2, Kelapa Sawit here this morning. It is learnt that the group of foreign workers had a misunderstanding with the management and went on a riot at 11.20am. In the incident, the factory's front facade was damaged, while a Proton Iswara Aeroback was set ablaze and turned upside down. The Fire and Rescue Services Department was immediately despatched to the scene and the fire was under control at 11.38am.

Sunday 3 August 2014

Thailand's projected migrant labour shortage


"Bangladesh eyed to fill labour gap," Bangkok Post, 1 August 2014

"If there is still a shortage, workers will be imported and Bangladesh will be the main target, he said. Migrant worker registration is part of the National Council for Peace and Order's plans to end human trafficking and labour shortages... Bangladesh and Vietnam have shown interest in sending workers to Thailand. Vietnam has eyed the construction and service sectors, while Bangladesh would send their workers into the fishing industry." 

Analysis of post-coup migrant crackdown


(This is old, but I'm adding it for reference.)

"Ominous signs for migrant workers in Thailand," New Mandala, 15 June 2014
Prayuth Chan-Ocha declared his intention to move forward with SBEZs in his televised address to the nation on Friday, 30 May 2014, the rationale given: to prevent ‘illegal migrants from crossing into inner provinces of Thailand, thereby giving more work opportunities to Thai nationals’
"Prayuth, junta policy on migrant workers, and non-traditional threats to national security," Bangkok Pundit, 17 June 2014
Prayuth: "We have already proposed this to previous governments on how to restrict people from coming into the inner parts of the country, prevent illegal and criminal activities, including those relating to drugs. If we can keep these people around the borders on a daily work basis, then both migrant workers and the local people will benefit from jobs and earn enough income to provide for their families. I think it would help reduce the problems."