The COVID-19 crisis leaves many migrant workers in Thailand unable to find jobs - Illustrative image (Photo: https://www.dw.com/)Hanoi (VNA) - Global brands and smallfirms are actively providing assistance to migrant workers in Thailand, who aremeeting difficulties after a jump in COVID-19 cases in the Southeast Asiannation.
Thailand is "struggling" to respond to its worst coronavirusoutbreak, with more than 200 new infections reported each day. The country hasso far counted more than 11,000 cases, including 69 deaths.
In Samut Sakhon, a province south of Bangkok where an outbreak began at ashrimp market late last year, many migrant workers are struggling to survive whilelocal authorities imposed a social distancing order here since December lastyear.
According to activists, an estimated 400,000 migrant workers, mainly fromMyanmar, are working in the province. The health crisis has left many migrantworkers unable to find jobs.
The Raks Thai Foundation, a legal aid charity that has an office in SamutSakhon, said it had received donations from many foreign and local companiessince December.
A representative from the foundation said that migrant workers help support theThai economy and they should be given equal rights.
Kimberly Rogovin, a coordinator for Global Labor Justice – International LaborRights Forum, an organisation to ensure labourers’ rights, stressed the need todo more to address the current crisis and prevent future disasters.
She proposed the private sector to ensure workers are paid decent wages, haveaccess to healthcare service, and do not bear the burden of paying for COVID-19tests./.
VNA
