Thai economy could collapse without Myanmar workers, labour leader warns

A Thai labor rights leader has warned that the country's economy may collapse if Myanmar migrant workers are forced to return home. Weera Saengthong, of the Bright Future labor group, says Myanmar nationals are crucial to Thailand's workforce, particularly in manufacturing, fisheries, seafood processing, and retail. Without these workers, businesses and the economy would suffer severe disruption.

The concern comes as controversy grows over Myanmar's Certificate of Identity (CI) centers in Thailand, where workers must verify their nationality and maintain legal employment status. The system allegedly places a heavy financial burden on workers and Thai employers, while simultaneously channeling money to Myanmar's military authorities.

Myanmar workers face costs totaling up to 30,000 baht per person due to taxes, remittances, and other fees. Additionally, the "Family Remittance Management System" forces workers to send 25% of their income back to Myanmar, often at unfavorable exchange rates. The leader also expressed fears that personal information collected through the CI system could be accessed by Myanmar's military, exposing workers and their families to intimidation or pressure related to military conscription.

Weera called for the Thai government to abandon the CI system and adopt a registration process managed by Thai authorities. He proposed returning to the pink-card system, a previous identification and work permit system, and integrating migrant workers into Thailand's social security system. He noted that Myanmar workers contribute to Thailand's economy through industrial production, spending, and the local economy.

However, he emphasized that a work stoppage by just one day could have serious consequences for Thai businesses.