Kendrapara, June 4: Several migrant workers from India, including four from Kendrapara district and one from Uttar Pradesh, have urgently appealed to the governments of Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and the Centre for assistance after alleging that they have been stranded in Thailand for months without salaries, passports, or adequate food.The workers said they are currently employed at a wood manufacturing company in the Kabin Buri district of Thailand, where they claim they are facing severe hardship and exploitation. Through video messages circulated on social media, they have requested immediate repatriation to India.According to their statements, the workers were recruited more than a year ago and taken to Thailand on tourist visas for employment. They alleged that once they began working, their employer confiscated their passports and has since refused to return them despite repeated demands. The workers further claimed they have not been paid wages for the last four months and are struggling to survive due to lack of food and financial support.The affected workers have been identified as Khirod Das of Gobanga village, Manoj Mallick of Poijharia village, Kailash Sethi of Nahuni village under Rajkanika block, and Nityananda Mallick of Padanipal village under Aul block. Another worker, Raj Kumar Pasi from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, is also reportedly facing similar conditions.The workers alleged that they have been threatened by the company management, including warnings of police action or physical harm if they demand their wages or attempt to leave. They also claimed that their visas have expired, further worsening their legal and living conditions.One worker stated that he has been in Thailand for over two years and is being prevented from returning home. Another said his passport has been withheld for nearly a year, while also reporting irregular meals and unpaid wages. A worker from Aul block alleged that repeated requests for salary resulted in threats of imprisonment from contractors.Raj Kumar Pasi also accused the company of withholding wages and harassment, urging the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure his safe return to India. Another distressing account revealed that Kailash Sethi has been suffering from untreated health issues, including swelling in his limbs, without access to medical care.The workers further said that Manoj Mallick was denied permission to return home even after the death of a close family member, adding to their distress.They have collectively appealed to Indian diplomatic missions, as well as the Central Government and state authorities, to intervene urgently and facilitate their safe repatriation.
Indian workers stranded in Thailand without wages, passports seek government intervention
