Deadline warning for those employing illegals

PHUKET TOWN: Employers hiring illegal labor from countries such as Burma or Cambodia have been reminded that they have until next Wednesday, August 4, to report the illegals to the Phuket Provincial Employment Service Office. After that date employers face a fine of up to 60,000 baht or three years in jail, or both, if they are found to be employing illegal workers. The same applies to those providing housing or shelter to illegal migrants. The warning came from Amnuay Sanguannam, Vice Governor of Phuket, who said that there are still many employers, both in fishing and rubber – industries that may legally use foreign workers – and in other industries, particularly construction, who have been involved in smuggling illegal workers into the country. He pointed out that illegal labor has serious social consequences: there are an estimated 1.5 million unemployed Thais, and an estimated one million illegal workers in the country. Those wishing to report illegal migrants before the deadline should contact the Phuket Provincial Employment Service Office at 51-3 Soi 1, Yaowarat Rd, Phuket Town, tel 219661, fax 219660, before 4:30 pm on August 4.