Pattaya, Thailand– The Pattaya Chonburi Business and Tourism Association (PCBTA), led by its President, Mr. Boon-anan Pattanasin, hosted a seminar titled “Changing ‘Illegal’ to ‘Cheap’ for Sustainability” at the Shambala Hotel in Pattaya. The event aimed to provide entrepreneurs with new perspectives on managing foreign labor effectively.
The seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Mr. Wibun Chim, Assistant Labor Attache from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Thailand; Pol. Lt. Col. Thipphamani Thongkerd, Deputy Inspector of Immigration, Chonburi Province; Mr. Phuwakon Tosingkhon, Chonburi Provincial Employment Officer; and Ms. Suwimol Tuangwuttikun, Deputy Director of the Chonburi Chamber of Commerce. These experts shared valuable insights with entrepreneurs from Pattaya and nearby areas.
Addressing Labor Shortages in the Tourism Sector
The PCBTA, in collaboration with the Chonburi Chamber of Commerce and the Cambodian Embassy, organized this seminar to tackle the pressing issue of labor shortages in the private business sector, particularly in tourism. The event aimed to equip entrepreneurs and executives with knowledge on effective foreign labor management, covering legal aspects, employment processes, and sustainable practices.
Insights from Key Speakers
Mr. Phuwakon Tosingkhon highlighted the economic drivers attracting foreign labor to Chonburi Province. He emphasized that Chonburi’s thriving economy and tourism potential make it a top destination for foreign workers. However, he also pointed out the challenges posed by illegal labor brokers, which undermine the legal employment system.
The Need for Legal Foreign Workers
Chonburi Province currently requires over 100,000 foreign workers in various sectors, including industrial, real estate, and tourism, to address the labor market shortages. The Ministry of Labor’s Employment Office has established a 24-hour platform for registering foreign workers, aiming to facilitate business operations and ensure legal employment practices.
The seminar underscored the importance of transitioning from illegal to legal foreign labor employment, promoting sustainable business growth and compliance with labor laws.
