Problems, obstacles, challenges, and government policy guidelines for Thai migrant workers in Singapore and Malaysia

Abstract

     The objectives of this study were: 1) to study the problems and obstacles faced by Thai workers in Singapore and Malaysia, 2) to study the opportunities for Thai workers in Singapore and Malaysia, and 3) to propose guidelines for government support for Thai workers there. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews, a field survey; observation, a literature review, a focus group study; and the Delphi technique using both purposive and accidental sampling, and the researcher performed content analysis and descriptive analyses on the data collected. The study found that the major problems Thai workers face are how to communicate with their employers because most workers lack foreign language skills, which places them at a disadvantage with their employers. In addition, limits on the availability of work permits and restrictions on available job positions make it difficult for Thai workers to find good jobs in Singapore and Malaysia. Therefore, the Thai government should play a key role in negotiating with the Singaporean and Malaysian governments to solve these problems, and the Thai government should train workers who return from overseas to work in small- and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, the guidelines of government policy for the management and administration of Thai workers in Singapore and Malaysia should include: 1) improving the education system based on the labor market, 2) creating policies for informal workers, 3) creating policies to support Thai workers employed abroad, 4) drafting a labor agreement between neighboring countries, 5) protecting Thai workers abroad, and 6) creating policies supporting small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor should to set up a new office on Borneo Island because this office could support and take care of Thai workers in Malaysia and Indonesia.