Migrant workers arrested in Bangkok for working through curfew

Bangkok police have arrested 15 migrant workers accused of violating the emergency decree by working during curfew hours (10pm – 4am). Khaosod English reports that the construction workers were stopped at a checkpoint on the Bangna-Trad road as they were making their way home from having worked overtime on the Yellow Line monorail project.

Their employer, Ploichanok Sirowet, disputes the charges and has taken to social media to air her grievances, claiming the workers were in possession of a special travel permit which the arresting officers allegedly tore up during the arrests. She is demanding justice in a post that has now been widely shared on Facebook.

“I want justice and clarity. I had brought the company-issued certificates for working overtime to the police, and they said they’re good. But it turned out that my workers were arrested and told that the papers were incomplete. Then how can I find the complete ones?”

PHOTO: A construction worker holds the torn papers- Khaosod/Ploichanok Sirowet/Facebook

Assistant police commissioner Damrongsak Kittiprapat has responded to say the permits do not cover working at night as this is not included in the exemptions listed in the decree. The exemptions cover essential night-shift workers such as medical and logistics staff.

“Officers found that the papers they presented only certify that they’re working overtime, not on night shifts. It is not one of the listed exemptions, so they were charged for breaking the emergency decree.”

When asked about the policeman tearing up the permits presented by the workers, Damrongsak says the officer thought they were scrap paper. (Erm… okay).

A spokesperson says the police commissioner has ordered an inquiry to be set up to look into any potential wrongdoing by those involved in the arrests.

“I also asked officers manning the checkpoints to exercise their discretion and politeness. They should refrain from arguing with citizens.”

The workers have been released on a bond of 40,000 baht each.

It may have been a big misunderstanding.

SOURCE: Khaosod