TN lad saved from bonded labour in Thailand back home

A 23-year-old youth from Tirupur, who was reportedly held as a bonded labourer in Thailand, returned on Tuesday, thus ending over five months of uncertainty over his return to his hometown. His mother, whose request for help was even considered by the External Affairs Ministry, however, claimed that the government had turned a blind eye.

Manidurai (23) on Tuesday returned to be received by his mother Mariammal at Tirupur railway junction.

A week ago, Mariammal had taken up with officials of the district administration in Tirupur the issue of his son being forced to take up bonded labour in Thailand and sought their help in his rescue. Following her petition, the Minister for External Affairs, S Jaishankar, had also tweeted promising help in the youth’s rescue.

The Union External Affairs Minister had then stated that all help and guidance would be rendered by the Indian embassy in Thailand to facilitate his return.

However, Mariammal contended that she did not get any help from the External Affairs Ministry or from the State government.

“I borrowed Rs 30,000 to bring back my son as I didn’t receive any help [from the government] despite assurance from the External Affairs Minister. The government didn’t care to even bear the expenses. No action has also been taken against the fake agent who sent my sons to Thailand on false promises,” Mariammal told media.

Mariammal had sent her two sons, Manidurai (23) and Manikandan (21), to Thailand on January 21 this year after reportedly paying Rs 2.7 lakh to have them work in a textile firm there. However, the brothers were forced to work in a hotel as bonded labourers instead.

Mariammal then managed to rescue her younger son Manikandan by reportedly paying Rs 50,000 to the hotel. “I had spent a total of four lakh rupees by borrowing it for a huge interest, expecting to make my sons have a better future. Now, I am left in a dire situation over having to settle the borrowed amount,” she rued.