Workers’ woes

I read all the “hopes, woes and concerns” expressed by US envoy Daniel Russel ( BP, Dec 17), and I am quite sure that government officials also did and are, in fact, seeking to right all that can be seen to be wrong. There is a threat here, that failure to act will mean that “provisos” will be enacted until we agree with what our Yankee “friends” tell us to do.

I compare the situation in Thailand with the United Arab Emirates where I have just visited. I was impressed by the amount of building projects under way and the transformation of desert areas into pleasant towns.

I had a chance to visit the accommodation provided to the workers who are building these fine structures. They are from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and other poorer countries, men and women of all ages. They spend their days on building sites under the blazing sun ... it was 45C on my visit. Some have the benefit of air-conditioning but most do not. The workers are paid but the conditions under which they labour are abysmal. And if you complain ... out you go! Many of the females working as domestic servants are often harshly treated.

I wonder why these situations are never commented on by American “friends” ... the comments would never be published anywhere. The oil and Arab friendship are far too important to expose such trivialities as the rights of workers!

I venture to suggest that comments by envoys be restricted to the monthly gun attacks in “the land of the free”.

KONG WAI