A group of north eastern barbers and hairdressers are demanding that their profession is not opened up to foreigners.
They alone want the right to snip and beautify the Thai people and don’t want any “neighbours” muscling in on the action.
This term usually refers to people from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
President of the Sakon Nakhon barbers and salon operators association Janthipha Khwanwatana presented a letter to governor Withaya Janchalong saying he should oppose government plans to open the trade up to foreigners.
Janthipha accepted that the government has not made its mind up yet but she and her members believed it was a done deal.
She said that it is hard enough to get customers as it is and if the foreigners are given the right her members will be in dire straits.
She demanded that hairdressing remain a Thai only job and suggested that other occupations be opened up to Thailand’s neighbours. NBY – EP
