No.12 - 02/2006
21 February 2006

Human Rights/Education

Stateless children given second chance

Phu Murng

Sai Htoon, 9, Sai Bee, 7, and Nawng Oy, 5, are children of Sai Sam and Nang Kham, a migrant worker couple in a construction site in Chiang Mai. None of the children, two boys and one girl attends school because their parents often move from one place to another for jobs given that they are sometimes not paid wages by their employer.

“In the last three months my children could attend school, but when I moved here, I had to bring them with me, that’s why they are not able to attend school,” said Nang Kham. “Next term I will take them to school”. According to Nang Kham, when she took her children for admission to a school, the school would ask for children’s birth certificate and ID cards of the parents but would still accept them even though they did not have any documentation.

When Nang Kham took her children to the school, it cost her 600 baht (about $15) per month. At the construction site where they work, there are seven families. There are also over seven or eight children and only half of them are attending school.

Sai Khong is Sai Htoon and Sai Bee’ friend and he is nine years old. He is currently attending school in Grade 1( Por 1, primary Thai school) and he can read and write Thai language somewhat. Sometimes he teaches his older sister as well.

He was said to have told Sai Htoon, “you can not compare yourself with me, I am better than you, because I go to school every day”.

According to Sai Khong’s father Sang Ta, even if his son has no birth certificate, he could get a certificate from the school when he finishes schooling. Sai Khong studies in Changkhien School, where there are about 300 students, among whom are 20 to 30 Shan children.

Sang Ta is going to take his son to be ordained as a novice during vacation in March, and after a week he will hav e his son disrobed for the school next term.

According to Sai Mee, a staff of the Migrant Assistance Programme (MAP), Thai policies are open for migrant children so they have access to education. The cost depends on the quality of the school.

Sai Htoon’s father said, “I will take him (Sai Htoon) to be ordained as a novice, but we don’t have enough money now. Maybe next year”.

Nang Kham said there were many times when the employer refused to pay wages to her and her husband.

Sometimes, the employer Nai Noi would burn the paper slips marking her and her husband’s working days. The employer owes them 3,600 baht (about $90). Another employer also refused to pay 5,000 baht ($125).

Sai Mee said when migrants are unpaid, the MAP should deal with Thai authorities and sue the employer.