Call For Action From Prime Minister Thaksin on Behalf of Bed and Bath Workers

Fax: (662) 282-8587, 282-8631
Email: public@thairakthai.or.th

Dear Prime Minister Thaksin,

This is a call for you to personally intervene in ending the suffering of the Bed and Bath (Prestige) Company workers in Bangkok. Bed and Bath Prestige Co, Ltd. was until very recently a very profitable factory based in Bangkok specializing in the manufacturing of children's apparel for such corporate giants as Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Levi's and others.

The company was managed by Mr. Chaiyaphat Photikamjorn with other members of the Photikamjorn family acting as directors and shareholders. The workers' plight began in early October when Bed and Bath was suddenly and without explanation shut down. There was no notice and in violation of the law of Thailand the workers were not given any compensation. Moreover, the wages that were earned towards the end of the company's existence have not been paid. An arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Photikamjorn and his principle partner Ms Uayporn Songpornprasert. However, the deadline for apprehending these two people has come and gone and authorities of your Government are no closer than they were a month ago to securing the wages and compensation for these poor workers. This is unjust and to the watching world, unacceptable.

The workers are only asking for their rights as required under Thai law. Namely, that they be paid their compensation and back wages. Bed and Bath became very wealthy through a systematic mistreatment of these poor workers. There is currently much documented evidence of this. One of the most egregious examples involved forcing the workers drink Amphetamine laced water in the workplace and "fining" them if they insisted on drinking some other beverage. This behavior along with the non payment of compensation and back wages is totally illegal and makes a mockery of your Government's 'White Factories Program'.

The workers have made it clear that they cannot and will not give up. They will continue to protest PEACEFULLY at the Ministry of Labour until justice is done. As this letter demonstrates, with each day knowledge of and support for the workers of Bed and Bath are growing both in Thailand and internationally. In all of Thailand you Mr. Prime Minister are in the best position to see that justice is done for the workers. This is a call for you to resolve this situation and put an end to these sorts of labour practices that so damage Thailand's reputation in the eyes of the world. Like the workers of Bed and Bath their growing legion of supporters cannot and will not give up. This is a call on you to do what is right and legal. It is a call on you and your Government to ensure that the Bed and Bath workers receive their compensation and outstanding back wages as prescribed by Thai law.

Sincerely,