New Thai rule gives Myanmar junta greater power to block workers: activists

MAE SOT, Thailand – Thailand’s latest labor documentation rule requiring Myanmar government approval has raised concern among migrant worker advocates, who warn the policy could expose millions of Myanmar workers to conscription risks from their country’s military regime.

Thai lawmakers periodically change the procedure to enable migrant workers – both new arrivals applying for the first time and those already in the country – to get the documents they need to work legally.