Finnish researcher Minna Seikkula has raised new concerns about the exploitation of Thai berry pickers in Finland after meeting former workers in Chaiyaphum province, Thailand, in June 2025.
The workers, mostly from northeastern Thailand’s Isan region, described debts, poor housing, and harsh working conditions during their time in Finland. Many had taken out loans to pay recruitment fees, only to return home with little or no profit.
Seikkula said that while wild-berry picking is deeply rooted in Finnish culture and “Everyone’s Rights,” it has become a commercial industry dependent on foreign labour. Recent human trafficking and corruption cases involving major berry companies such as Polarica and Kiantama Oy have drawn attention to the issue.
Although Finland amended its seasonal labour law to include berry pickers, Seikkula noted that systemic change requires more resources and stronger investigations. She also credited Thai activist Junya Yimprasert for helping workers speak out about exploitation and push for justice.
“The problem is not a few bad companies,” Seikkula said. “It’s about structural inequality and how cheap labour from the Global South sustains the comfort of the North.”
Court cases in Finland remain ongoing.
Source: The Isaan Record
