More than 300 Thai workers began harvesting longans in the Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi province on Friday, following the departure of Cambodian workers who returned home because of border tensions. Their arrival has eased concerns among orchard owners about a shortage of pickers.
Narongwet Mahasetthapong, a purchasing officer for longan exports, supervised the training of the new recruits in tambon Patong, where they received guidance on harvesting techniques. Most of the workers, who came from different provinces across Thailand, had never harvested longans before.
Many said they were unfamiliar with the tasks but expected to learn within several days under the supervision of team leaders. Orchard owner Chutima Ngobsoongnern said she was relieved that the harvest could proceed. "Although they are new to the job, I believe they will soon be as skilled as the experienced workers. Thai workers are capable and second to none," she said.
The recruitment drive followed public announcements that Chanthaburi, known for its fruit production, was facing a shortage of harvest labour. Pay ranges from 700 to 1,000 baht (US$19–27) per day. On Thursday, workers from the South, North, and Northeast, the latter forming the largest group, arrived in Wang Krathing village in Pong Nam Ron district. Exporters, Chinese buyers, and orchard owners briefed them on harvesting, packing procedures, and wage systems.
Narongwet explained that the job pays on a piece-rate basis, 45 baht (US$1.20) per basket. Experienced Cambodian workers had earned more than 1,000 baht (US$27) a day depending on speed and skill. Many Thai workers said they were attracted by the income and year-round employment prospects. Some noted they would stay in the fruit sector if earnings remained favourable.
Meanwhile, Cambodian temporary workers whose permits had expired were granted a six-month extension by the Thai government to address labour shortages. The Interior and Labour ministries issued notices in the Royal Gazette confirming that extensions, retroactive to June 7, apply to workers with border passes or seasonal work permits.
Tens of thousands of Cambodian workers have returned home since the conflict began last month, with border crossings opened to facilitate departures. Employers and migrant worker groups said Cambodian workers were pressured to return under threats of losing property and citizenship.
Thailand continues to rely on foreign labour from Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit has proposed widening the labour pool to include workers from Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Source: Bangkok Post
