(KPL/VNA) Thailand has so far sent 60,769 labourers to work in 139 countries worldwide this year, achieving 60.7% of the target of 100,000, deputy government spokesman Karom Phonphonklang said on May 25.

The top five countries/territories to which Thai labourers have gone to work this year are Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Laos and the United States, Karom said.

According to him, those who are sent to work overseas under the government's programme will be trained in various topics before their trips, including the working process for foreigners in the target country, their climate, culture, traditions, socio-economic conditions, and employment laws.

Thai workers who travel to work legally overseas will enjoy benefits and protections under the labour laws of Thailand and the host countries, he said, adding the government will also provide assistance and compensation to workers overseas during emergency situations, such as wars, natural disasters, outbreaks, and accidents that result in disability.

Karom advised Thai workers seeking overseas employment to apply as members of the Thailand Overseas Employment Administration fund, so they may receive benefits and compensations to the fullest extent in case of emergency, or in the event of being abandoned or treated unfairly by employers.

According to the Bank of Thailand, overseas Thai workers sent home some 6.7 billion USD in 2023.

KPL