Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that an earthquake with an epicentre off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture occurred yesterday (December 8, 2025) at approximately 23.15 hours local time in Japan (two hours ahead of Thailand), registering a magnitude of 7.2. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning of up to 3 metres along the coasts of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido, and waves of approximately 1 metre along the coasts of Miyagi and Fukushima. Residents in these areas were advised not to approach coastal areas or river mouths until the warning was lifted. On December 9, 2025, at 02.30 hours, Japanese authorities ordered the evacuation of 114,092 people from the affected areas. Upon learning of the incident, the Labour Minister said she became deeply concerned about Thai workers in Japan and therefore instructed the Labour Attaché (Labour Affairs) and the Office of Labour Affairs in Japan to closely monitor the situation and continuously issue alerts to Thai workers through various communication channels, to ensure their maximum safety. Preliminary reports from Ms. Paravee Nakpipat, Labour Attaché (Labour Affairs) at the Office of Labour Affairs in Japan, indicate that Japanese authorities have now lifted the tsunami warning and cancelled the evacuation order. However, over the next week, authorities have advised residents along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido down to Chiba Prefecture to closely monitor official announcements and remain prepared for evacuation should warnings of a major earthquake or tsunami be issued. The Labour Minister therefore reiterated instructions to the Labour Attaché (Labour Affairs) to continue close monitoring, issue regular alerts to Thai workers in Japan through all available channels, and coordinate with relevant organisations responsible for labour welfare and volunteer labour networks. These groups will assist in notifying Thai trainees and workers living near the affected areas and coordinate with local authorities to support any Thai workers who may be affected. At present, the Office of Labour Affairs in Japan has not received any requests for assistance from Thai workers in the affected areas, where approximately 1,533 Thai workers reside. Currently, there are 24,635 Thai workers in Japan, comprising 5,571 specified skilled workers, 6,629 skilled workers, and 12,435 technical trainees. Of these, 1,553 Thai workers are located in disaster-affected or monitored areas: 1,070 in Hokkaido, 65 in Aomori, 146 in Iwate, 139 in Miyagi, and 133 in Fukushima. All Thai workers are reported to be safe. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kacharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, added that Thai trainees and workers who require assistance or wish to report emergencies may contact the Office of Labour Affairs in Japan via the following channels: Emergency labour assistance numbers: 080-3153-9700, 090-6537-0340, LINE IDs: labourhotline1, labourhotline2, Facebook Messenger inbox: Office of Labour Affairs in Japan. He also reassured families of Thai workers in Japan that the Government and the Ministry of Labour remain deeply concerned and ready to assist any affected workers. He urged the public, trainees, and Thai workers residing near the affected areas to take care of themselves, remain vigilant, closely follow official announcements, and strictly comply with government guidance.
