From December 8 to 13, 2024, a Thai delegation led by Mr. Worawut Pongpraphapan, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, and Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, visited the Republic of Finland. The primary aim of the visit was to discuss regulations concerning Thai workers engaged in wild berry harvesting and to strengthen cooperation in protecting workers’ rights and addressing issues related to human trafficking.
During their visit, Mr. Worawut and the delegation held discussions with Finland’s Director-General of Consular Affairs and representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The talks focused on monitoring and improving Finland’s seasonal labor legislation, establishing cooperative mechanisms to oversee employment conditions, and refining the process for sending Thai workers to Finland for the upcoming wild berry harvesting season.
Additionally, the delegation engaged with representatives from Victim Support Finland to exchange information on assisting Thai workers and implementing preventive measures against human trafficking. This collaboration aims to enhance support systems sensitive to the unique circumstances faced by Thai laborers in Finland.
The visit underscores the ongoing commitment of both Thailand and Finland to ensure fair treatment and support for workers while combating human trafficking. Officials from both countries expressed their dedication to fostering effective dialogues that lead to actionable solutions for the challenges at hand.
By strengthening these international partnerships, Thailand hopes to create safer and more regulated avenues for its citizens working abroad, especially in industries such as wild berry harvesting that draw labor from overseas.
Source: Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand
