Myanmar to ease worker strain

Myanmar to ease worker strain

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, left, and his Myanmar counterpart and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. (AP photo)
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, left, and his Myanmar counterpart and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. (AP photo)

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said Myanmar will help Thailand in taking responsibility for the 1.6 million Myammar workers residing in Thailand.

Ms Suu Kyi was speaking after meeting Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai yesterday.

Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw was also present.

Mr Don, who was visiting as a special envoy of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, is on a two-day formal visit to the country to strengthen bilateral ties and foster cooperation.

In an afternoon press briefing after a 40-minute talk, Ms Suu Kyi praised the Thai government for its support and assistance to migrant workers and its plans to improve laws to better look after them.

The state counsellor said the Myanmar government would take responsibility for its people in Thailand and would not let Bangkok shoulder the burden alone.

Asked if the two countries had any special concerns, Ms Suu Kyi said every issue is of equal importance and she is confident the two nations have a strong will to jointly address problems.

Mr Don said the Thai government has given importance to social and welfare benefits to its Myanmar workers.

He said they have equal rights to Thai workers in their eligibility to gain access to medical services and have their children receive a state education.

Mr Don said there are 1.59 million registered Myanmar workers in Thailand.

He described the visit as a meeting of "neighbours" that touched on their close ties and cooperation.

Mr Don said the Myanmar president conveyed his best wishes to Their Majesties the King and the Queen of Thailand, adding the Myanmar government was considering Thailand's invitation to visit.

Mr Don said Thailand also urged Myanmar to look after Thai investors in the country as they were instrumental to boosting investment.

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