Thailand says it is trying to protect migrant workers. So why are they all so worried?
A drive by the country’s junta to improve conditions for its migrant population sows fear – while activists say the new law does not go far enough
Sai Tun Shwe is not alone. Two million migrant workers in Thailand are struggling to renew their work permits before the end of March after a new law threatened fines and even jail for those who did not go through the proper paperwork.
“Employees have been advised to document illegal migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar until March 31. Failure to comply will result in legal action”, the government announced this month.
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Migrant workers will also have to get their nationalities verified by their governments before the end of June.

The government in June approved the Royal Ordinance on Foreign Workers Management, which includes stiff fines and prison terms for employers who illegally hire migrant workers – and for migrants working without permits. Thousands of migrants fled the country after the order was announced last year.