Voice of Intellectual Man- An International Journal

Various ethnic groups from Myanmar have secured employment in Thailand, with the majority comprising Mon and Burmese individuals in Samut Sakhon province. Due to the lack of available Thai language and cultural training for unskilled migrant workers before their entry into Thailand's workforce, they typically learn Thai on the job and integrate into existing groups proficient in the language. However, their inability to fully grasp Thai leaves them susceptible to rights violations, highlighting the pressing need for safeguarding migrant workers’ rights. Local agencies have made strides in accommodating unskilled migrant workers by providing bilingual documentation, signage, and interpreters for effective communication. Yet, there remains a general disinterest among most Thais in learning the languages of unskilled migrant workers. Consequently, reliance on proficient migrant interpreters becomes imperative, with those achieving proficiency experiencing heightened status and increased opportunities to act as intermediaries and interpreters for their fellow compatriots and others. Proposing a policy shift to the Thai government, it is crucial for authorities to devise an action plan aimed at empowering migrant interpreters, including fostering the development of a new generation of bilingual migrant workers trained and certified in interpretation and translation. Moreover, promoting such training courses could serve as an incentive for Thais to enhance their language skills, thereby equipping Thailand with the multilingual workforce necessary to effectively support migrant communities living and working within the country. Standardizing bilingual interpretation through strategic planning and implementation should be the subsequent step. Implementing suitable language and education policies in Thailand will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.