Burmese Fishermen in Thailand - US National Public Radio (NPR)

Sunday, October 9, 2011
By Mu Sochua

When walking the campaign trail yesterday, I ran into a young man who just returned from Thailand. He and hundreds of Cambodians are there as illegal workers at a construction site. He told me that Burmese illegal workers outnumber Cambodians, many , many times more.

There are many underground channels for recruitment of workers from Cambodia, mainly for construction work, fisheries and farm work. Authorities from both sides of the border are well aware.

Another man from Bavil, Battambang crosses the border with his entire family to Thailand and remain there for months. They make good money because of his skills at repairing tractors. However, he still fears arrest as an illegal worker. He is aware that he is a lucky man as his employer is generous.

This is an ASEAN issue but leaders are not willing to put it on the ASEAN agenda.

It is workers from ASEAN countries that are least developed that stand to lose as the situation remains unresolved. Working out mechanisms to recognize and protect migrant workers will strengthen ASEAN already strong economic growth as development will be more equitable and just.

As part of playing Friendship Soccer, leaders should sit down to tackle real life issues: decent employment with protection and decent pay.

And then Friendship Soccer.

Dignity for all and above all.

-------

Burmese migrant laborers prepare Thai fishing boats in Meaklong Township before heading out to sea. Courtesy of Jesse Hardman.

Burmese Fishermen

October 7 2011

Source: http://www.latitudesradio.org/shows/2011-10/burmese-fishermen

The southeast Asian country of Burma may be best known for its repressive government, but it also has one of the world’s lowest per capita incomes.

Government controls, inefficient financial policies and corruption have stalled the Burmese economy, sending a flood of workers East, looking for abetter life. There are two to three million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand, according to Thai government estimates. Most find work in garment factories, constructions sites, and farms. One of the best paying but most dangerous jobs for men is in the fishing industry.

Jesse Hardman brings us this story.

The names of the two workers in this story have been changed at their request.

Support for Jesse Hardman’s work comes from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.