Labour agreements establish rules on recruitment, employment, health checks and repatriation amid shortages in key sectors.
BANGKOK — Thailand is set to bring in an initial 10,000 Sri Lankan workers through a formal recruitment channel after the Cabinet approved agreements aimed at strengthening labour cooperation between the two countries.
The agreements comprise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labour cooperation and a separate agreement governing the employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand, as reported by Asia News Network.
The initiative is intended to help address labour shortages in industries and businesses while providing a regulated alternative to illegal recruitment and employment.
Deputy government spokesperson Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the agreements were the result of several years of negotiations and coordination in response to requests from Thai businesses and employers.
The labour cooperation MOU will provide a framework for the two countries to exchange information on labour markets, laws and regulations, while promoting skills development and productivity.
It will also establish information-sharing mechanisms to help prevent illegal recruitment and combat human trafficking.
The separate employment agreement sets out procedures for recruiting Sri Lankan nationals in their home country and bringing them to Thailand legally for employment.
Under the arrangement, employers must sign employment contracts directly with workers before they travel to Thailand. The contracts must specify the number of workers required, their qualifications, salaries and job descriptions.
Workers will also be required to undergo medical examinations and obtain health insurance in accordance with Thai law before starting employment.
They must secure work permits and can only work for the employer and in the occupation authorised under the agreement.
Employment contracts will initially be valid for two years, with the possibility of an extension of up to another two years.
Employers will also be responsible for covering the cost of returning workers to Sri Lanka when their contracts expire.
The agreements include provisions aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand.
Under the principle of non-discrimination, workers recruited through the programme will receive protection under Thai labour laws on the same basis as Thai workers.
They will also be entitled to the wages and benefits stipulated in their employment contracts and have access to legal mechanisms to resolve employment-related disputes.
The Thai government expects the regulated recruitment channel to reduce illegal labour practices and the risk of human trafficking while helping industries facing labour shortages maintain operations under clearer and more transparent employment conditions.
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