Thai authorities have proposed new restrictive measures on alien workers from Laos, Cambodia. and Myanmar, as part of an effort to curb illegal labor in Thailand. The proposed measures include prohibited use of cell phone and curfew after 8 P.M.
Thai human rights groups, however, have expressed objections and have submitted petitions to the government and the Thai National Assembly, appealing for the rejection of the proposed measures.
Thai authorities estimate there are over two billion alien workers from Laos, Burma, and Cambodia, of which roughly 800 thousands are legally registered. Over 400 thousands are from Laos, of which approximately 90 thousands are properly registered.
Thai officials say they fear the unregistered workers have fallen or will fall victims of human traffickings, and that the proposed measures are meant to prevent that.
Listen to our Laos Today report for details.