There were temperature checks for those returning, and a handful were quarantined. Those who cross and live in Myawaddy have to quarantine 14 days in Myawaddy; the others must register at local quarantine stations depending on their township. Rumors / concerns are that migrants will start returning to Thailand once the lockdown is lifted. It is unclear if everyone knows the Thai government has extended the lockdown from April 13 to the end of April, and the border is not open. If migrants return prematurely, it will cause chaos in Myawaddy. What happens when migrants do start crossing back to Thailand? What sort of measures will be in place?  

Factories

Factories are starting to close “temporarily.” 60-70% of workers in most garment factories are women.

Courtinha Eagle – no orders, but workers are making cloth masks. After next paycheck on 11 April, employer will invoke “Section 75”, which allows the employer to stop work temporarily because of force majuere (or conditions out of their control) and pay workers 75% for 20 days. Will then reassess conditions after that, and make decision.

3 medium sized factories – 1) One factory, there are no orders, only making masks… and only getting paid 100 baht a day; previously paid 200 Baht per day. Workers feeling disgruntled. 2) Another factory, is requiring those who used to stay in dorms outside the factory to stay inside the factory compound. Workers are unhappy with this arrangement, and are resisting and negotiating. 3) Abec factory – migrants are working regularly, all workers stay inside factory compound anyhow.

Champion Factory (not the brand) – closed since beginning of April, but no severance pay. Over 100 workers staying in dorm until end of month; give each person 100 Baht a day, but no work.  Can still go outside to buy food… Question is - what happens at the end of the month? No money, nowhere to stay, and currently, the border is closed.  

Shoe factory for sales in Myanmar – renting PA factory to produce shoes. There are 70+ workers in the dorm, but they have no work, and are receiving 100 Baht per day… They have to take care of food on their own.

CC&C – There are 400 workers at this factory, but there are reduced orders. The employer is trying to find work…. When clothes are finished, will make masks…

There is a “home” factory reportedly with around 20 workers. Currently, workers not allowed in the “factory area”, but are taking work back to their dorm… getting paid less than 100 Baht per day. Don’t know how many house factories are in this situation.

Young Hearn factory – 2 groups: 50 people working as usual…other group of 20 people, who arrived 2-3 months ago, are alternating work days - when not working, not paid.

Arakan Workers Organization is making hazmat suits for Mae Tao clinic. ILO could support them for making masks…

Chiang Mai

One construction camp in Hang Dong has 30 migrants languishing without work for two weeks. Another construction camp notified workers to stop on 11 April but no indication when will restart.

Those still working have had to buy cloth masks on their own. Points of concern include close together on the truck during transit and communal toilets and showers.

Workers are staying at the camp. Some of these people have gone to find temporary work elsewhere, such as general labor, construction and agriculture, because they need work.

People are starting to suffer food shortages. Food, shops are closed.

There are pockets of workers in dormitories as well, like 12 restaurant workers without work. Lots of groups have requested assistance from MAP… they have no income, but still have regular expenses.

Women Leaders in the Southern Provinces

On palm oil and rubber plantations work has been stopped and there are no wages. Women leaders and members of their communities in provinces like Phangnga and Surratthanni, are suffering food shortages. There has been a slight uptick of domestic violence. We have already had three cases reported to us in Bangkok, Sangklaburi and Ranong.