There are two-and-a-half million migrant workers in Thailand, most from Burma, undocumented, and easy to exploit as they are at risk of being deported.

Forewoman Myint Myint Win says seven of her workers lack permits and have to bribe police about $10 a month to avoid arrest.

"We still need to worry about the police. However, my boss has good connections with them. Usually, the police inform my boss about possible police checks in advance by phone. Then, he asks the illegal workers to move or hide to another place," she said.

To prevent abuse, Thailand started a nationality verification program to get foreign workers documented.

But labor activists complain of excessive charges by brokers and requirements for employer backing and workers first returning home.

Migrant Worker Rights Network President Aung Kyaw says they offer legal support but the system itself needs to change. “Migrant workers accept that Nationality Verification is good for them. However, both governments cannot control the exploitation happening in the system," he said.

Labor activists say Thailand needs to simplify its migrant worker policy and enact laws that better protect the workers the country depends on.