July 20, 2026 at 09.30 hours local time – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, led a delegation of senior Ministry of Labour executives to the temporary construction site office in Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province, to discuss approaches to promoting employment with Sumho Development Co., Ltd., and to meet with and deliver an address of encouragement to Thai workers. Accompanying the delegation were 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, Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Ms. Thidarath Yingcharoen, Advisor to the Labour Minister, and Mrs. Sirirat Srichaat, Minister Counsellor (Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul.
On this occasion, the Minister of Labour expressed his thanks to Mr. Shim Jae-bom, executive of Sumho Development Co., Ltd., for the warm welcome, and conveyed his appreciation to the company for employing more Thai workers in the construction sector than any other nationality. The key topics discussed were as follows:
- The “Study with Funding, Graduate with a Job” Policy: The Ministry of Labour focuses on expanding the Thai labour market abroad in tandem with developing workers’ skills by providing budgetary support during training to ensure workers can adapt to real working conditions more swiftly.
- Worker Quality Screening: The Ministry has rigorous drug screening measures in place before deployment to assure employers that they will receive workers of quality.
- Visa Upgrade (E-9 to E-7): The Ministry requested the company’s cooperation in retaining positions for Thai workers and giving them opportunities to develop their own potential so that greater numbers may transition from E-9 to E-7 visa status in the future.
- Summer Safety: The Ministry reiterated its call for employers to take care of workers who must work outdoors, ensuring they receive adequate rest periods to prevent harm from the effects of heatwaves.
In addition, the Minister of Labour and his delegation met with and delivered an address to Thai workers in South Korea, expressing concern for the welfare of all Thai workers. He confirmed that the Ministry of Labour stands ready to provide full assistance, and has tasked the Labour Section at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul with closely looking after workers’ interests. Should any worker require assistance, they may contact the Labour Section immediately.
