The cabinet has approved a year-long extension of the Temporary Data Collection Centre (TDCC) for Myanmar workers to help facilitate labour management in Samut Sakhon.
Employment Department Director-General Pairoj Chotikasathien said yesterday the cabinet passed a resolution on Monday to extend the operation of the TDCC from March 21 to March 20 of next year.
The TDCC, located near Thale Thai Market in tambon Tha Chin of Muang district, was established to comply with a cabinet resolution issued on March 5, 2019, to collect data from Myanmar workers before authorised agencies issue their documents, so the workers need not return to their home country first.
Extending the duration of the centre likewise aims to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 among Myanmar migrants travelling in and out of the country.
Migrant workers from the neighbouring country can get their passports at the Myanmar embassy in Thailand or at passport offices near the border.
Mr. Pairoj said the centre’s operations have already been extended once, in 2020. Myanmar authorities submitted that request via a diplomatic agent and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to better facilitate the management of migrant workers.
The government has urged migrant workers to stay and work legally in Thailand. Similar guidelines are supported by the MFA, Interior Ministry, National Security Council, Council of State, and the National Economic and Social Development Council.
Talks about the future status of the centre are ongoing, including the possibility of the TDCC being elevated to an office separate from the Royal Thai Embassy, Mr. Pairoj said.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2287874/myanmar-worker-data-centre-extended-a-year
