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Nov 26th, 2001 Bangkok Post

Many are forced to work late nights

Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs

Young people with no choice but to work at night are worried they will become the innocent victims of the interior minister's planned 10pm curfew for under-18s.

Purachai Piumsombum's social order crusade may be aimed at stopping under-age drinking and keeping youngsters away from drugs, but thousands of teenagers forced to work late could be unwittingly caught up in it.

Many help support their families by working in factories, convenience stores or restaurants and are afraid they'll lose their jobs _ or get in trouble with police.

Pipit Tirathavorn, a 14-year-old orphan, works at a petrol station on Ramkhamhaeng road. He has been supporting himself since his parents died and goes to school on Sundays.

``Some nights, my boss has me do small jobs like clearing stock until 10pm,'' Pipit said. ``He gives me extra money. There's no point wasting free time doing nothing at home.''

``This is a democratic country and the proposal is too extreme,'' said Pipit's 18-year-old co-worker, who gave his name as Nid.

``In Bangkok, 10 o'clock is too early in the night. The government should fix the limit at midnight.''

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare's website says there were 69,000 child workers at registered companies in Bangkok as of September last year. Many others work informally as garland sellers.

There is much confusion about who would be covered by Mr Purachai's proposed curfew and how it would be enforced. The minister says he is still working out the details.

``The government overlooks the fact that some teenagers have to earn money to support their families and their studies,'' said Anuch Taechareonjit, 17, a sales assistant at a major department store in Thon Buri.

Anuch works the night shift to put herself through a vocational school.

``I would not be able to pay my tuition fees and other expenses if I did not work late,'' she said.

``The government should deal with the root of the problem and make sure the law does not affect good youngsters who are working.''

However, Panurat Songkerd, the supervisor of a gas station, supported Mr Purachai's plan.

``I often see teenage couples in school uniform walking hand in hand at night when they should be at home,'' he said.

Mr Panurat suggested the government issue special work permits to children who must work at night.

Others suggested more flexible age and time restrictions, or that parents and other adults accompany the children out after 10pm.

``The idea of having parents pick you up after the curfew is strange,'' said Pipit.

``And it's impractical for me anyway as they have to work too.''