So tonight I was just informed by o

So tonight I was just informed by one of my networks in Mahachai that Kingfisher called them in (via the head monk in a temple where MCDC school is) and asked them to 'be quiet' to complain about Kingfisher company in future. They were also called in late in the day.

I would like to draw to your attention that the person called in was also the same person who alleged that his life and security was recently threatened by a member of staff and/or agent or broker of Kingfisher after he made complaint in response to Kingfisher staff's complaint on broker and registration fees at your company.

Anyhow, without further reference to your style of dispute solving and mechanism, Kingfisher staff apparently then informed one of my network that the company actually registered as a different kind of food and beverage company and therefore was not entitled to reduced rate work permit for seafood sector. They provided government documents I have now received and already am familiar with actually. It seems very strange situation and explanation that contrasts with other TTIA members in tuna and seafood sector.

I cannot comment on the legal specifics if your Kingfisher company registration, but you should be aware seafood sector workers are entitled to the reduced rate fee for WP. I hope Kingfisher will therefore consider to subsidize costs incurred by migrants if cost addition for WP is a result of the way your company registers or manages legal issues when in fact these workers are working in seafood related jobs also. The additional costs are significant burden for workers.

Anyhow, i would like to remind you also our discussion started because of high fees reportedly charged to Kingfisher workers for the 4 year visa renewal process that should cost around 3000 baht per person but networks inform me Kingfisher companies were charging up to 10000 baht per person at this time. This issue of the WP costs was actually raised later. Other companies across Thailand are keeping significantly less 4 year renewal fees at this time.

I hope this discussion has highlighted some of the challenges migrants face regards registration fees and highlights the need for company executives to pay more attention to such issues. If these issues are left managed by HR only, a variety of problems can undoubtedly arise.

I remain available to discuss these issues further.