(UPDATE) Phl bans deployment of newly-hired OFWs to Thailand

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government announced today a suspension on the processing and deployment of newly-hired overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Thailand, a day after Thai army declared coup d'tat.

The state-run Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing Board has issued a resolution barring the deployment of new OFWs to Thailand after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Crisis Alert Level 2 or Restriction Phase for the Kingdom, in view of the declaration by its army of martial law due to the escalating civil and political unrest and insecurity in the country.

Under Crisis Alert Level 2, the POEA only allows the processing and deployment of returning OFWs with existing employment contracts.

Earlier this year, the POEA issued the same ban on Thailand and lifted it two months after the DFA lowered the crisis alert level from 2 (Restriction Phase) to 1 (Precautionary Phase).

Under the DFA's alert level system, Crisis Alert Level 2 requires Filipino nationals staying in Thailand to restrict non- essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation, if necessary.