The large number of Thai berry pickers who returned from Finland and Sweden after their harvest season has prompted the government to declare that Thai workers are highly sought after in Scandinavian countries.
Anucha Burapachaisri, spokesman for the government, yesterday said a total of 5,245 Thai berry pickers recently returned home after finishing their work, from July to September, and brought home at least 618.3 million baht altogether, citing a report submitted to the cabinet during its last weekly meeting.
Among the labourers, 2,014 went to work in Finland while the rest worked in Sweden, two Scandinavian countries where the berry pickers were able to earn 182.6 million baht and 435.6 million baht, respectively, Mr Anucha said. Upon their return between Oct 1 and Oct 22, the workers underwent the standard 14-day Covid-19 quarantine, which was covered by their work placement agents, he added.
The net income of a migrant berry picker in Sweden for two months during harvest ranges from 150,000 baht to 180,000 baht, the government spokesman said. Meanwhile, those who worked in Finland only laboured for 55 days and each earned between 90,000 and 150,000, he added.
"Thai workers are very much in demand in these countries and an important reason [for the demand] is Thailand's very good Covid-19 prevention measures," Mr Anucha said.
All workers were strictly required to follow Covid-19 screening and prevention measures as stipulated by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), before leaving Thailand and upon returning home, he said. The favourable situation has created good opportunities for Thai workers who want to go overseas and return home with foreign currencies, Mr Anucha said.