Engineers rail against employing foreigners

The Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) has joined a chorus of dissent against the Labour Ministry’s proposal to allow foreigners to enter civil engineering, saying it could pose risks to public safety and the economy.

“The government lacks an understanding about civil engineering which is a driving force behind national development. The country currently has several mega-projects on transport, logistics and more, and this involves public safety and advanced technology.

“Allowing foreign civil engineers to work in the country as easily as the Labour Ministry proposes will increase risks and damage the economy. A lot will be lost if local engineers are not hired,” said EIT chairman Thanet Wirasiri.

Mr Thanet said if foreign civil engineers are allowed to work in the country they must be governed by the local engineering organisations and engineering standards.

Early this week the Council of Engineers urged the Labour Ministry to keep civil engineering an occupation reserved for Thais and allow foreigners to work only on the transfer of technological know-how or projects with a shortage of specialists.

EIT vice chairman Somjit Piampremsuk said the civil engineering and construction sector has a long supply chain and involves several industries.

Letting foreign engineers work here could lead to loss of revenue in related industries. Mr Somjit said that loss could be more than two trillion baht a year.

Anek Siripanichgorn, head of the EIT’s civil engineering department, said civil engineers must have exceptional knowledge of the country they are based in, so civil engineering is not meant for anyone.

He also insisted the country has more than enough civil engineers whose skills and knowledge are widely accepted domestically and internationally.

Under the ministry’s proposal, foreigners will be allowed to be employed in 11 of the 39 occupations that are now reserved for Thai nationals. It is intended to address labour shortages in some sectors.

The proposal is likely to be submitted to a committee on management of migrant workers this month and if it is approved, it will take effect by July 1.

The revised list of occupations reserved for Thai nationals is expected to include traditional massage and traditional craftsmen.