June 9, 2026, at 08.30 hours local Swiss time – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, led a delegation of senior ministry officials in bilateral talks with H.E. Marina Elvira Calderone, Minister of Labour and Social Policies of the Republic of Italy, to strengthen labour cooperation between the two countries. The meeting took place during the visit to attend the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC). Mr. Surachat Thientong, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, and Ms. Thidarath Yingcharoen, Adviser to the Labour Minister joined the discussion. The occasion took place at Bilat-3 Concordia 2, 2nd floor, UNOG (United Nations Office at Geneva), Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
During the meeting, Mr. Julapun expressed his appreciation to the Italian government for including Thailand in the draft labour legislation known as the Flows Decree, which represents a significant opportunity for Thai workers to work legally in Italy, particularly in agriculture and other industries, as both seasonal and general workers. He requested the support of Italy’s Ministry of Labour and Social Policies in expediting the formalisation of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labour, to promote quality employment of Thai workers abroad.
Beyond labour mobility, both sides exchanged views on other important matters, including technical and vocational education, with Thailand expressing interest in learning from Italy’s model of collaboration between technical institutes, universities, and local enterprises, including dual-track education systems. Occupational health and safety was also discussed, including Italy’s new legislation on the “Right to Disconnect,” which protects employees from being compelled to work outside working hours. In addition, the Minister raised Thailand’s policy aspiration to join the OECD and sought Italy’s support in facilitating that process through collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the OECD.
In closing, Mr. Julapun emphasised the long-standing and robust relationship between Thailand and Italy. He expressed his determination to continue deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the area of mutually beneficial labour mobility.
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Division of Public Relations
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