The number 2,482,256 is not a combination that will win Thailand's lottery top prize, but it is nonetheless a lucky number as it represents the total registered migrant workers with the Ministry of Labour during the pandemic. As such, they should have received the protections prescribed under Thai labour laws. But not everyone has been treated the same way or received the incentives to which they are entitled. Lots of loopholes prevail and exploitation remains a problem.

Despite all the good work that has been done, Thailand could do more to ensure that migrant workers, their families and friends are given proper care. According to Mekong Migration Networks (MMN), there are an estimated 4 million workers, mainly from Myanmar, in Thailand. However, unofficial records estimate that the number could be as high as 6 million including those from Cambodia and Laos.

www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2039215/migrant-workers-need-better-welfare