Envoys from three neighbouring countries yesterday expressed their appreciation for migrant labour regulation policies launched by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
The labour regulations were implemented alongside the establishment of one-stop service centres, which opened in seven more provinces yesterday.
Ambassadors from Laos, Myanmar and Cambodian joined military officers to inspect the new centre in Samut Prakan Province yesterday.
The ambassadors expressed their support of Thailand's labour regulations, saying they would ease many problems and protect workers from human rights abuses.
Laos' ambassador Ly Bounkham said the one-stop service centre is good for migrant workers as it would shorten the registration process and make it more transparent. "The labour management policy is good since it can prevent labour abuses of migrant workers and prevent other problems, including human trafficking,'' he said.
The Cambodian ambassador Eat Sophea said she appreciated the setting up of a one-stop service centre and hoped it would help workers gain the labour benefits to which they are entitled.
"I want to express my appreciation of the NCPO's decision to establish the one-stop service centre and I'm confident all undocumented workers will be registered with it. Under their new legal status, workers will have their rights protected," Cambodian ambassador Eat said.
Myanmar's ambassador, Win Maung, called on Myanmar workers to register at the centre to claim their benefits and complete the process of nationality verification, which would be conducted by Myanmar authorities after the workers' registration.
"I would like to urge Myanmar workers in Thailand to take part in the registration process because it will help you receive the benefits you deserve," Mr Win said.
The one-stop service inspection was led by the armed forces Chief of Joint staff, Sirichai Distakul, who confirmed the NCPO would offer a chance for employers and workers to contribute ideas to migrant labour regulations. He also warned those who have been taking advantage of migrant workers to stop doing so, or face punishment.
One of the Cambodian workers registered at the Samut Prakan centre expressed happiness at being able to work legally in Thailand after working in the construction sector for the last two years. The worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said registration would protect migrant workers and allow them to work without fear of abuse.
According to Sumut Prakan's governor, there are around 50,000 migrant workers in the province, with 30,000 from Myanmar, 15,000 from Cambodia and 5,000 from Laos.
The other one-stop service centres were opened yesterday in Chon Buri, Rayong, Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, Surat Thani and Songkhla. A pilot centre was opened last week in Samut Sakhon Province.
The fishing industry would be regulated by the Department of Special Investigation, which has backed urgent plans to tackle industry problems, especially payments for migrant workers.