The draft seeks to eliminate jail terms of up to five years against illegal workers. According to the draft, fines against employers of illegal workers will also be reduced from between Bt400,000 and Bt800,000 per illegal worker to between Bt10,000 and Bt100,000.

The Foreign Worker Management Act of BE2560, which came into effect last year, prescribes what are widely accepted as harsh penalties. Four of its articles have been suspended since last year in response to concerns from many sides.

Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that the Cabinet yesterday approved the amendment to the law. In addition to reducing penalties for many offences, the draft amendment has also relaxed some conditions for migrant workers and their employers.