Bangkok: Working abroad remains a dream for many Thai workers seeking to improve their family's quality of life, particularly in the Middle East, once considered a safe haven. However, the current situation is becoming more complex, with issues of security in conflict zones and the exploitation of criminals preying on job seekers.
According to Thai News Agency, there has been discussion about the "Abu Dhabi Declaration," a framework for cooperation between destination countries in the Middle East, such as the UAE, and originating countries in Asia, including Thailand. Banjong explains that this is a "cooperation agreement," not a binding law. The agreement aims to provide increased employment opportunities for Thai workers, promote fair recruitment, protect labor rights, and upgrade skills. However, concerns remain over the lack of legal enforcement, as destination countries have the power to set their own conditions, such as lowering the age limit from 60 to 45, and increased bureaucratic procedures leading to higher costs.
A major issue is that workers often fall victim to scams due to prioritizing high salaries over legitimate means. Banjong cites a case of a worker who quit their job in Taiwan to move to Israel under the guise of an illegal recruiter. The scammers, working as a team, sent fake visas that appeared very realistic. Ultimately, the victim lost 450,000 baht, taking out loans and mortgaging their land, only to realize they had been scammed.
To avoid such scams, workers should opt for one of five legitimate channels to work abroad. These include going through the Ministry of Labour, licensed recruitment agencies, attending authorized meetings/seminars, being sent by employers within their network, or arranging employment independently with embassy-certified contracts.
Language and skills are key to success. A significant challenge for Thai workers is language proficiency, often passing skills tests but failing language requirements. Khun Banjong advises mastering five basic phrases for communication: greetings, thank you, apologize, farewell, and asking questions. Workers should have the courage to inquire directly and verify the identity of recruitment agency representatives.
The mantra for success for Thai workers, beyond their skills in meticulousness and perseverance, involves discipline under guidelines like avoiding drugs, gambling, drunken absenteeism, nightlife, maintaining household accounts, and choosing good friends. Currently, Thai workers bring back significant foreign currency, approximately 300,000 to 500,000 million baht per year. Sound financial planning and systematic management of employment contracts are crucial for transforming the lives of Thai workers and ensuring their long-term sustainability.