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The next example illustrates that money is not enough and that migrant children are separated
from their parents working in the tourism industry.
Burmese man, 32 (hotel receptionist) 49
The hotel receptionist paid 4,500 baht (930 SEK) to come with a broker from
Burma to Thailand to earn a living. He has been working as a receptionist for
seven months and sends home money during high season. He is able to earn
money from working in the tourism industry, but the fact that he is away from
his son affects his relationship with him. He does not have a work permit or
a contract but the job is permanent. He works 13 hours a day, sometimes at
night. He has no days off or paid leave.
He says that he does not earn enough to transfer money to his son because of
high living costs and because it is low season here in Phuket. Thai workers earn
more and do not have to work long hours. He has no personal experience of
management withholding salaries, but some do so if the employee makes mistakes.
His employer provides him with accommodation and food and he lives
together with two staff in one room. The hotel receptionist says that he is sad
because he cannot see his son, though he tries to call him every week.
Some of the other interviews revealed that many migrant workers consider it preferable to
work in restaurants and bars compared to construction sites. Many also saw their work in
the tourism industry as positive because they were able to learn some English. Here is an
example of a woman that works at a diving center, with good salary and benefits.
Thai woman, 35 (diving centre) 50
She has been working for 13 years at a diving centre because her salary is high;
she learns new things including English and believes that it is not as difficult
to work there compared to factories and shopping malls. She is employed permanently,
works eight hours a day and has paid holidays. Her wage is 25,000
baht per month (5,150 SEK). She gets no overtime pay. She says she can afford
everything she wants for her child. She gets paid holidays and leave if her
child is sick. Maternity leave is 45 days and new mothers take leave for three
months. If there are any problems with labour rights, there is no trade union,
but she can contact the social security department. The Thai woman lives at
Khao Lak beach in an apartment with one bedroom. Her husband is also
working in the tourism industry, but has no regular work. She gets support
from the government to provide for her child who is living together with her
mother in another province.
No child’s play | 13