On 23 August 2010 from 07.30 to 10.00 p.m., Mr. Monchai Phatchanee, Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore led a team of three officers – namely Ms. Pichayada Poomlaochaeng, Second Secretary (Consul) of the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore, Mrs. Kanjana Wongsuwan, Minister Counsellor and Mr.Sakdinath Sontisakyothin, Counsellor of the Office of Labour Affairs in Singapore– to visit Thai workers at the 5 Star Dormitory which is a dormitory for foreign workers situated on 39 Kaki Bukit Avenue 3 Area. The team received a warm welcome by Mr.Goh Gnak Pheng, General Manager of the 5 Star Dormitory.

The objectives of visiting 5 Star Dormitory are  to observe the living conditions of the Thai workers, to listen to their problems both relating to their work and personal lives and finally, to obtain database consular information so that the Embassy and the Office of Labour Affairs can best provide them with timely assistance in case of emergencies and also to register those who wish to cast their votes in Singapore whenever there is a general election in Thailand.

Mr. Monchai and Mrs. Karnchana went on to brief  the Thai workers on the useful and relevant issues, such as drinking problem, HIV among other things and the role of the Consular Section at the Royal Thai Embassy and the Office of Labour Affairs respectively.  Thai workers were encouraged to take part in a number of activities which have now been made available in Singapore by the Thai Workers Association in order to better their standard of living here.  Examples of such activities include the Medical Check-up program available at the Golden Mile Complex on 11-12 September 2010.

Thai workers were also informed of the hotline telephone numbers they may wish to call should they need help or advice from the Office of Labour Affairs and the Embassy.  Each of them was also given a Manual for Thais living in Singapore and the contingency plan for emergency.

In response, the workers said that they were very happy to meet with all the Thai officers and expressed sincere appreciation in trying to improve their living condition.  Everyone left with a smile on their face and promised to be in touch should they feel the need for some advice as they felt officers are now much more accessible.

The 5 Star Dormitory was opened in 2004.  Currently, it houses a total of approximately six thousand workers with different nationalities, including those from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Malaysia and Thailand. At present, there are seven hundred Thai workers staying there. Facilities which are currently being provided at the 5 star Dormitory include 24-hour security guard service, one minimart, hawker centre and bar, kitchens, television rooms and the sport ground which provides free service for residents seven days a week.