May 8, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony of the “National Safety at Work Day” 2025 at the Ministry of Labour’s 5th floor conference hall. Also in attendance were Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Ms. Kanchana Poonkaew, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, Ms. Jirapa Boonrat, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector Generals, Mr. Krirkkrai Nasomyont, Legal Advisor, Ms. Kornjirat Phongchanthorn, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives. There were over 300 participants, including representatives from the ILO, public and private sectors, labor groups, students, and safety networks from across the country. The occasion took place at the Ministry of Labour’s conference room on the 5th floor.
Mr. Phiphat said, “Workplace safety is not just a legal requirement; it is a basic right of every Thai worker.” He stressed the importance of integrating safety with skills development, particularly in an age of digital and AI-driven industries. The Ministry’s “Safety Thailand” policy aims to institutionalize strict legal enforcement, safety awareness, and a nationwide cooperation network. Target goals by 2030 include reducing serious workplace accidents to no more than 1 per 1,000 workers, and reducing workplace fatalities to no more than 3 per 100,000 workers.
Mr. Phiphat also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, from machinery-related accidents to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. He said that “Regular drills and a clear emergency response system can prevent far more loss than waiting until tragedy strikes.”
Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, added that the department is implementing proactive safety measures through site inspections, training for safety officers, and provincial safety networks to drive change from the grassroots level. The event also featured exhibitions and forums on topics such as “Driving Thailand’s Safety Culture Together”, “Working with AI and Digital Technology”, and updates on new safety regulations for real-world application.
In response to recurring road construction accidents, particularly on Rama 2 Road, Mr. Phiphat confirmed that the Ministry has held meetings with project owners, contractors, and safety experts to jointly establish safety protocols. A Special Task Force on Labour Safety has been appointed to conduct on-site monitoring of high-risk construction projects on April 2, 2025. Also, a special taskforce on labour safety was appointed to inspect and closely monitor high-risk construction projects. All parties were instructed to strictly follow the “5 Golden Rules” of construction safety (Safe Cons. Together): 1. Clearly mark construction and danger zones. 2. Ensure structures meet proper design standards. 3. Inspect heavy machinery based on engineering principles. 4. Assign clear responsibilities to supervisors and approvers. 5. Workers must wear full personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Injuries may be treatable, but a life lost is gone forever. The Ministry of Labour will do everything in its power to ensure that Thai workers return home safely—every single day,” Mr. Phiphat concluded.
