Migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar can return home to celebrate Songkran from April 1 to May 15 without having to pay a re-entry fee upon arrival back in Thailand.
The decision to waive the fee was made at a meeting of the National Committee on the Management of migrant workers chaired by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
Mr Phiphat said eligible individuals must hold passports with Non L-A visas, and their visas must not expire before May 15. He added that companions eligible for the fee waiver must not be over 18 years of age.
The measure is intended to boost the morale of migrant workers who want to reunite with their families and celebrate Songkran without the burden of paying a re-entry fee, he said.
Somchai Morakotsriwan, director-general of the Department of Employment, said that migrant workers are not required to apply for a re-entry permit during that period.
However, he said, they are required to apply for a re-entry permit if they intend to return to Thailand after May 15 or their permit to stay will be terminated after that date.
The Department of Employment will submit the proposal to the cabinet for approval while the Interior Ministry and the Immigration Bureau will draft an announcement and notify migrant workers and their employers about the new policy, said Mr Somchai.
Meanwhile, Mr Phiphat yesterday urged Thai boxing "Muay Thai" enthusiasts to apply for certificates with the Department of Skill Development (DSD). He said Muay Thai is one of the professions with established skill standards, and those interested in teaching Thai boxing, which is being promoted as a Thai cultural product, can seek certification from the DSD.