Thailand's highest court on Tuesday ordered compensation be paid to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/extortion-and-abuse-myanmar-workers-arrive-debt-laden-thailand-169336">14 migrant workers from Myanmar</a> whose accusations against a chicken farm of abuses sparked a landmark legal case for migrant labourers.

The workers in 2016 officially complained to Thailand's National Human Rights Commission about forced overtime, being paid less than the minimum wage, confiscation of passports, and limited freedom of movement.

But employer Thammakaset farm, which had supplied meat to Thai food conglomerate Betagro, denied the charges and launched a defamation lawsuit, saying the workers voluntarily worked nights and chose to sleep next to the chicken warehouse.

Betagro, which sells to companies around the globe, later said it had cut ties with the farm.

After a three-year legal battle, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court verdict from 2016 which found in favour of the workers and ruled they must be paid 1.7 million baht ($53,000) in compensation.

"There is no significant legal argument from the company's side," the court said in its order, dismissing the appeal.

A lawyer for the workers said they welcomed the verdict in a country that has been at the centre of a slew of slavery and human trafficking cases, including in its seafood sector.

"Hopefully, they will receive the compensation quickly and put this behind them," said Koreeyor Manuchae at NSP Legal Office.

Last July, a Bangkok court dismissed charges against the workers in the criminal defamation case which accused them of damaging the reputation of Thammakaset farm.&nbsp;

Labour rights activist Sutharee Wannasiri said Tuesday's verdict vindicated the workers.

"It's a very rare victory for labour rights and migrant workers in Thailand, and it will help bolster the rights of migrant workers in the country," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"The compensation is not a large amount, but it is symbolic, and shows there is a mechanism for securing remedies and accountability when businesses have violated rights."

Campaigners have urged better protection for migrant labourers and activists from civil and criminal lawsuits for exposing abusive working conditions.

In the face of mounting global scrutiny of supply chains, Thailand has strengthened laws to crack down on labour exploitation, but activists said it was still widespread.

Thailand's highest court on Tuesday ordered compensation be paid to 14 migrant workers from Myanmar whose accusations against a chicken farm of abuses sparked a landmark legal case for migrant labourers.

Thailand's highest court on Tuesday ordered compensation be paid to 14 migrant workers from Myanmar whose accusations against a chicken farm of abuses sparked a landmark legal case for migrant labourers. The workers in 2016 officially complained to Thailand's National Human Rights Commission about forced overtime, being paid less than the minimum wage, confiscation of passports, and limited freedom of movement. But employer Thammakaset farm, which had supplied meat to Thai food conglomerate Betagro, denied the charges and launched a defamation lawsuit, saying the workers voluntarily worked nights and chose to sleep next to the chicken warehouse. Betagro, which sells to companies around the globe, later said it had cut ties with the farm. After a three-year legal battle, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court verdict from 2016 which found in favour of the workers and ruled they must be paid 1.7 million baht ($53,000) in compensation. "There is no significant legal argument from the company's side," the court said in its order, dismissing the appeal. A lawyer for the workers said they welcomed the verdict in a country that has been at the centre of a slew of slavery and human trafficking cases, including in its seafood sector. "Hopefully, they will receive the compensation quickly and put this behind them," said Koreeyor Manuchae at NSP Legal Office. Last July, a Bangkok court dismissed charges against the workers in the criminal defamation case which accused them of damaging the reputation of Thammakaset farm. Labour rights activist Sutharee Wannasiri said Tuesday's verdict vindicated the workers. "It's a very rare victory for labour rights and migrant workers in Thailand, and it will help bolster the rights of migrant workers in the country," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "The compensation is not a large amount, but it is symbolic, and shows there is a mechanism for securing remedies and accountability when businesses have violated rights." Campaigners have urged better protection for migrant labourers and activists from civil and criminal lawsuits for exposing abusive working conditions. In the face of mounting global scrutiny of supply chains, Thailand has strengthened laws to crack down on labour exploitation, but activists said it was still widespread.

Thailand top court orders compensation for Myanmar workers in landmark case

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn led a mass bicycle riding event on Sunday (December 9) in a 39-kilometre tour around Bangkok, in order to encourage Thais to do more physical exercise.

The king, 66, was joined by his daughters, Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, as they cycled pass various landmarks in the Thai capital.

The Bike Un Ai Rak 2018, which can be translated as 'Bike in Warmth of Love', is the third cycling event King Vajiralongkorn has initiated, the last two were held on the Birthdays of his parents, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, in 2015.

Over 630,000 people registered for the event, according to the official website for the event.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn led a mass bicycle riding event on Sunday (December 9) in a 39-kilometre tour around Bangkok, in order to encourage Thais to do more physical exercise.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn led a mass bicycle riding event on Sunday (December 9) in a 39-kilometre tour around Bangkok, in order to encourage Thais to do more physical exercise. The king, 66, was joined by his daughters, Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, as they cycled pass various landmarks in the Thai capital. The Bike Un Ai Rak 2018, which can be translated as 'Bike in Warmth of Love', is the third cycling event King Vajiralongkorn has initiated, the last two were held on the Birthdays of his parents, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, in 2015. Over 630,000 people registered for the event, according to the official website for the event.

Thai king leads mass cycling event around Bangkok, cycles over 35 kilometres

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Thailand top court orders compensation for Myanmar workers in landmark case

Thai king leads mass cycling event around Bangkok, cycles over 35 kilometres