Visiting Thai Berry picker and the meeting with the delegation of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour from Thailand

          The Royal Thai Embassy visited Thai berry pickers in Jörn and Vidsel between 8-9 September 2023 and met with a delegation of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour from Thailand on 11 September 2023.

          On September 9, 2023, Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, Consul Artsith Katawetawaraks and Mrs. Yuthaporn Norrman, Interpreter visited a Thai Berry picker camp in Vidsel where they met and discussed with representatives from a berry picking company in Thailand who has brought 658 workers from Thailand, an owner of a berry trading company in Sweden, and 99 workers in the camp, including support staff such as mechanics and cooks. Also on 8 September 2023, the Ambassador has assigned the Consul to visit a camp in Stensträsk, Jörn, to meet a representative of another berry picking company and 86 Thai workers.

          In the visits, the Embassy had the opportunity to observe the living quarters, and to exchange with the Thai berry pickers, and representatives of the berry picking companies on the well-being and working conditions of the Thai workers in both camps. It was found that most workers, who are mostly returning workers from many previous seasons, are in good spirits. The visit has brought forward useful information regarding the business practices and relationships between the workers and their relative berry picking, and berry trading, companies. Other information on work constraints and challenges were also noted, and will be useful in the coordination between all parties to support the Thai berry pickers coming to Sweden.

          During this visit, the Ambassador emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to provide assistance to support and protect Thai berry pickers in Sweden and urged the company continue taking appropriate care of the workers.

          Subsequently on 11 September 2023, Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys hosted a dinner in honour of Mr. Prateep Thronglumyong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour of Thailand during the visit of his delegation to Sweden, to exchange information and discuss on the protection and support of Thai labour in Sweden, including the Thai berry pickers this season. Further exchange and and processing on each party’s findings will be made following the visit in order to coordinate closer to support Thai berry pickers coming to Sweden.