On August 16, 2024, approximately 700 Burmese workers gathered in protest at an industrial park in the Rojana Industrial Estate, Prachinburi. The workers, who are employed by Chinese investors, have not been paid for two months, amounting to an unpaid sum of about 10 million baht. This protest has led to a complete blockade of the facility, restricting access to and from the site.
The workers, employed in construction at the industrial estate, are demanding full payment of their overdue wages. They have been forced to work daily without compensation, resulting in severe financial hardship and a lack of funds for basic necessities. Despite initial negotiations where the Chinese investors proposed an immediate payment of 500 baht per worker, this offer was rejected. The workers have insisted on receiving their full wages before any resolution can be reached.
As the situation developed, the protestors not only barricaded the factory’s entrances but also prevented delivery trucks from entering or exiting the premises. The only exception to the blockade was for Thai nationals, who were permitted to leave the site.
Photos Courtesy : MGR Online
The protest has seen the formation of two distinct groups among the workers. One group maintains a watch at the factory’s front gate to block the exit of both male and female Chinese executives, while the other remains inside. Reports indicate that negotiations with subcontractors have failed to resolve the issue. Workers were promised partial payments by agencies, but these funds have not reached them, leading to further dissatisfaction.
Additional information revealed that the factory’s management has made payments to three large subcontracting companies totaling 1 million baht, intended to cover wages for their workers. However, some subcontractors have not distributed these payments to their laborers. This unresolved financial issue has led to the current standoff, with around 400 of the 700 protesting workers remaining on site.
The protest continues with no immediate resolution in sight, highlighting ongoing labor disputes and financial mismanagement within the industrial sector.
It was reported that numerous officials and representatives were on site to address the situation, including local authorities and company representatives, but no effective agreement has been reached yet.