Thailand to Revise Labor MOU with Myanmar, Extending to 5 Years and Including Social Security

Thailand's Ministry of Labor is set to present a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor cooperation with Myanmar to the cabinet for approval. The proposed revision aims to extend the MOU's validity period to five years, addressing the labor demands of the industrial sector and facilitating the registration of Myanmar workers. It will also allow for two-year contracts for workers in non-agricultural fields and ensure all workers are brought under the social security system. Minister of Labor, Julapan Amornvivat, stated that the current MOU, originally signed in 2016, has been in use. Following elections in Myanmar, negotiations for a new MOU have been underway. Myanmar is actively pursuing this agreement to ensure the humane treatment and adherence to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards for its citizens working in Thailand. Key amendments include updating ministry names in Myanmar and extending the MOU framework to five years. Furthermore, the revised agreement will permit contracts as short as one year for workers outside the agricultural sector, aligning with industrial needs, with a maximum stay of two years. Once approved by the cabinet, procedures will commence for the legal registration of undocumented workers and those whose current contracts are expiring. Minister Julapan indicated that the cabinet approval could happen as early as August. Approximately four million Myanmar workers are estimated to be in Thailand, recognized as a significant driving force for the Thai economy. The Ministry of Labor intends to integrate these workers into the social security system, providing them with welfare standards comparable to Thai nationals. This includes coverage for illness, job loss, and medical expenses, adhering to international principles. The ministry is also drafting measures to include independent workers, such as domestic helpers, and foreign laborers into the social security system, aiming for quality protection beyond the scope of Section 40 of the Social Security Act.