Phuket PPAO president seeks action on migrant births at public hospitals
PPAO president Mr Rewat has asked the Labour Minister to review migrant-worker health insurance and tighten employment controls, citing pressure on Phuket’s public hospitals and services.
Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) president Mr Rewat has asked the Labour Minister to review migrant workers’ health insurance after complaints from residents and monitoring by the organisation that he said found pressure on Phuket’s public health services.
Mr Rewat cited cases of migrant workers giving birth at government hospitals, saying this affected local residents’ access to medical services and increased pressure on hospital staff, beds and public health budgets.
In an official letter dated July 21, details of which he published on Facebook on Monday, August 17, he called for the migrant-worker insurance system to be reviewed and strengthened. His proposals included waiving or restricting maternity benefits, introducing controls on childbirth and amending laws to prevent migrant workers from claiming maternity rights in Thailand.
He also requested measures requiring migrants’ dependents and children to have full health insurance coverage, saying this would reduce the burden on local medical facilities and public services.
On employment, Mr Rewat called for stricter monitoring and enforcement against migrant workers who work illegally or take occupations reserved for Thai citizens. He said the measures were intended to prevent budgetary problems and reduce the impact of migrant workers on Phuket.
He also cited residents’ concerns about competition for jobs, overcrowded communities and public safety and security. Mr Rewat said he had submitted the requests to the Labour Minister because migrant-worker management, employment controls and related welfare regulations fall under the ministry’s authority.
