Bangkok: Urgent negotiations are underway between the Thai Ministry of Labour and the South Korean ambassador to address the issue of Thai workers absconding from their employers, a matter that has led to a temporary ban on workers from four Thai provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, the Minister of Labour, has disclosed that South Korea has imposed a ban on Thai workers originating from Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham from participating in seasonal agricultural and fisheries sectors under the E8 Memorandum of Understanding. This restriction will be in effect for one year, from January 1st to December 31st, 2026, following reports of workers absconding. Mr. Chulaphan mentioned that over 20% of Thai workers have fled in previous deployments, necessitating an investigation into potential welfare or compensation issues. The problem is partly attributed to the short-term nature of seasonal contracts, affecting other workers waiting for deployment. The Ministry has reached out to the South Korean Embassy in Thailand to negotiate with the ambassador, although the outcome remains uncertain.
Mr. Chulaphan emphasized the need for the Ministry of Labour to establish mechanisms and guarantees to prevent similar incidents in the future. Discussions with the Korean Embassy are aimed at ensuring that the South Korean Ministry of Labour is informed and that the concerns are addressed. The actions of a few workers have impacted entire provinces, affecting workers who were ready to travel for employment.
Mr. Chulaphan also highlighted the Ministry's commitment to promoting overseas employment as a means of generating revenue for Thailand. He outlined a policy to upskill and reskill workers by sending them to countries with advanced technologies, allowing them to gain new experiences and knowledge that can contribute to the development of Thailand's agricultural and industrial sectors. South Korea remains a key destination, and the Ministry is actively seeking new markets while engaging with destination countries to establish internal mechanisms that protect worker welfare and ensure adherence to employment contracts and requirements.