PM promises female workers of supportive policies for women in workplace

At their request, Abhisit came out to receive the petition from the groups who were rallying in front of the Government House.

Chittra  Kujdej, a leader of the demonstrators, said workers decided to submit demands to the PM on International Women's Day, asking the government to provide complete welfare to unemployed workers who must care for their children and parents.

Workers consider that the government fund giving Bt500 to the aged on a monthly basis is insufficient, and that likewise the Bt2,000 monthly grants to be given to wage earners receiving less than Bt15,000 a month is just "temporary assistance" which helps the economic system to survive, Miss Chittra said.

She said that Thailand's women workers want the government to collect more from the wealthy, in higher land and inheritance taxes, to build up welfare for the poor.

They also said the prejudice still is endemic against women in Thailand in employment compensation and the kinds and levels of jobs available in Thai society.

PM told the groups that his government did recognise the importance of women and children.

"Policies that are more supportive of women in the workplace will be effected, he said, and his government will also reform the country's social security system."

The authorities are studying appropriate ways to transform the social security system from a traditional bureaucratic system to become more user friendly, the prime minister said.