Pop-up centres to register migrant workers

These service points – including 11 in Bangkok alone – will be manned by 1,572 officials and operate every day for the 15-day period from Monday until August 7, said DSD chief Theerapol Khunmuang on Sunday.
Each centre would have enough computers to accommodate the registrations, officials said. The DSD branch in Samut Prakan had already prepared 15 computers, with 50 in Chon Buri, 40 in Rayong and 30 in Ratchaburi.
The Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens 2017, which has been in effect since June 23, has kept many employers and workers on their toes as they attempt to legalise their activities, Theerapol said.
Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul implemented the new measure to allow the legalisation of existing migrant workers, he said. 
Employers are advised to download a migrant worker employment request form via the Department of Employment’s website, www.doe.go.th/alien, and fill it in before going to one of the centres. 
Employers must submit a photocopy of their Thai national ID card or business registration document, along with three two-inch photos and a completed form for each worker. Those wanting more details should call the hotline 1694.
The new Royal Decree cancelled and replaced the two previous laws regulating foreigners working in Thailand, by upholding main requirements and principles and updating the provisions to address issues in the country at this time. 
The new law’s hefty fines – Bt400,000 to Bt800,000 for employing illegal foreign workers – had led to many employers to lay off their workers, resulting in thousands of people heading back to their home countries of Myanmar and Cambodia.