The group ‘Thais Won’t Tolerate’ has called on the United Nations to dismiss pleas from a coalition of Myanmar workers in Thailand advocating for better conditions for migrant laborers.
Akkhrawut Kraisisombat, also known as Tae Achiva, along with Arnon Klinkaew, the chairman of the Thai People Protecting the Monarchy group, stood with members of Thais Won’t Tolerate outside the UN offices in Bangkok.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, they criticized the workers’ group, known as Bright Future, which had presented its proposals to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Thursday.
The letter they submitted requested improvements in working conditions and care for foreign workers, and urged the UN to condemn the forthcoming general elections in Myanmar, set for later this year.
On Friday, the Myanmar defence and security council extended a state of emergency for six more months, until July 31, postponing the much-anticipated general elections amid an ongoing civil war, four years after the military takeover.
Mr. Akkhrawut emphasized the national significance of the assembly, highlighting the growing concerns among Thai citizens regarding illegal foreign workers.
He cited demands to raise the minimum wage for migrants to 600-700 baht, in contrast to the maximum rate of 400 baht for Thai nationals, and expressed concerns over escalating crime and criminal syndicates involving foreigners.
He argued that Bright Future, under the leadership of Thai activist Weera Saengthong, should strive to achieve its goals within Myanmar instead of seeking international intervention.
Although the Thai group did not interact with representatives from Bright Future during the UN demonstration, Mr. Akkhrawut declared that his network would not tolerate any oppression of the Thai populace.
