Stroke victim comes home

A Thai migrant worker, who had lost access to the overseas privilege fund and had a stroke in Israel, has been brought back to Thailand by the Labour Ministry and other state agencies.

Theanrat Nawamawat, deputy director-general of the Department of Employment, and Athaporn Limpanyalers, deputy secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), were at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday to welcome Paiboon Boonpa, 39.

Ms Theanrat said the Public Health Ministry will ensure Mr Paiboon gets treated at a provincial hospital near his home, while the NHSO will cover the costs of the treatment.

She said Mr Paiboon had been a member of the overseas employment fund set up for those working as farmers on contract in Israel since March 10, 2018. However, he lost his privileges on Aug 16 last year, when he fled his employer and continued living in Israel as in illegal migrant. He was later admitted to hospital due to a stroke and severe tuberculosis.

Ms Theanrat said migrant workers must inform the department if they want to change jobs, or they will lose their privileges. Thais can work legally in other countries via five methods — registering with the recruitment company, the Department of Employment, getting a job themselves, being brought overseas by a Thai employer, or being sent overseas to work.

However, all Thai workers heading overseas for work must join the fund to receive protection and security benefits based on legislation.