December 21, 2025,10.30 hours local time in the Republic of Korea – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Ms. Sirirat Srichat, Labour Attaché, and the delegation visited a company under the KT&F Group in Gyeonggi Province. They held discussions with Mr. Namin Choi, Chairman of KT&F, and Ms. Prapai Soi, an executive of KT&F and its affiliated companies.
KT&F and its affiliated companies operate businesses that produce ready-to-eat Thai food products, such as Isan and Chinese sausages, meatballs, and Thai desserts, including khanom chan, as well as import Thai products for retail and wholesale distribution in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the group operates agricultural businesses that cultivate crops and vegetables using innovative farming systems. The discussions focused on the employment of Thai workers and opportunities to further expand the Thai labour market in the Republic of Korea.
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, said that the purpose of this official visit was to exchange views on the employment of Thai workers in the Republic of Korea. The Ministry of Labour plays a key role in preparing Thai jobseekers for work abroad, including developing their vocational skills, language proficiency, and workplace adaptation. The Ministry of Labour, therefore, wished to understand the company’s demand for Thai workers to promote concrete labour cooperation in the future. This aligns with the Ministry’s policy “Thais Must Have Jobs”, which aims to address unemployment, create jobs and occupations, enhance public stability, and promote overseas employment so Thai workers can increase income and remit earnings to support their families in Thailand.
Ms.Trinuch added that KT&F Group operates a wide range of businesses and employs many Thai workers. She therefore encouraged the company to support Thai workers employed under the E-9 visa by providing opportunities to develop skills and upgrade their status to the E-7-4 visa, enabling them to become skilled workers with higher earning potential. This would help strengthen the employer’s business by attracting a high-quality workforce, while also enhancing job security and the long-term quality of life for Thai workers.
She also thanked the company for employing over 40 Thai workers, emphasising its compliance with labour protection laws, provision of appropriate welfare, and implementation of occupational safety measures. The Ministry of Labour hopes that this meeting marks the beginning of close cooperation and continued strong employment relations between the Ministry of Labour and the company. The Ministry of Labour is ready to supply Thai workers with appropriate skills, craftsmanship, and Korean-language proficiency, including legal training, particularly on traffic regulations, to meet the company’s needs.
On the same occasion, the Minister of Labour and the delegation met with 40 Thai workers employed by the company under the Employment Permit System (EPS) with E-9 work visas at KT&F Group facilities in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province, and provided guidance. She encouraged them to remain committed, set clear work and life goals, and maintain discipline to build stability for themselves and their families. She also stressed the importance of avoiding drugs, vices, and unnecessary luxury spending, prioritising workplace safety, remaining mindful and cautious, regularly checking tools and equipment, and continuing to practise Korean language skills so they can live and work happily in the Republic of Korea.
Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, expressed his appreciation to the employer for placing importance on the employment and welfare of Thai workers. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour’s full support. He noted that the Labour Office at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul has been tasked with closely assisting Thai workers, protecting their rights and benefits, and ensuring their welfare.
Afterwards, the Labour Minister and the delegation also visited the KT&F Group’s workers’ accommodation to observe living conditions and offer close encouragement to Thai workers.
