THE MIGRANT WORKER POLICY ADJUSTMENT OF GENERAL PRAYUTH CHAN-O-CHA’S GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The purposes of this research are to study factors which influenced the adjustments of migrant worker policy under the government of General Prayuth Chan-O-Cha. and The reactions to these factors by the government.

Qualitative research method was used for this research, based on academic papers, research papers and the official statements of the Government of Prayuth Chan-o-cha through the Prime Minister of the Government, ministers and the related government agencies.

The research indicated that both internal factors within the country and external factors outside the country influenced the adjustments of migrant worker policy. For the internal factors, migrant workers contributed to the crimes, drug trafficking and threats to national security. For the external factors, human rights abuses, forced child labors, forced prostitutes and slave labors in Thailand which were linked to human trafficking. led to criticism and pressures by foreign and international organizations. From these factors, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power through a political coup, reacted rapidly to the issues by using his political status and power. As a national agenda, he emphasized the urgency of migrant workers issues, leading to concrete adjustments of migrant worker policy to reduce pressures from both within the country and outside the country and to establish acceptance of the power coming from the political coup. Furthermore, the adjustments of migrant worker policy were urgently communicated internationally to form the understanding. There, it would not affect Thailand's international trades and international investments. From the implementation on the adjusted policies, Thailand's human trafficking rank in 2016 was promoted to Tier 2 Watch List.