May 1, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the National Labour Day 2025 celebrations at Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of the National Labour Day 2025 event, whereby Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, gave a report. Mr. Panas Thailuan, Chairman of the 2025 Labour Day Organizing Committee, formally accepted nine labour demands and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ quality of life through tangible action. A major highlight was the announcement of a Labour Day “gift” designed to help Thai workers launch or sustain careers and enterprises.
At 7.30 hours, Mr. Phiphat led a merit-making ceremony, offering alms to nine monks in honour of Labour Day, with Phra Phromwachiramontri, abbot of Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, presiding over the religious rites. This was followed by a parade featuring senior ministry officials and workers marching from Chulalongkorn Intersection to Bangkok City Hall.
Mr. Phiphat addressed thousands of workers in attendance. He emphasized that the Ministry of Labour takes every labour demand seriously, with dedicated working groups pushing forward policies year-round. Examples include drafting laws in support of ILO Conventions No. 87 and 98, exploring an unemployment insurance fund model, modernizing the social security system to ensure adequate pensions and expanded coverage, strict enforcement of labour protection laws, and advancing occupational safety standards. He outlined the Ministry’s three-pronged labour policy: 1. Future Skills – Nationwide free reskilling and upskilling programs; promotion of high-income overseas jobs for Thai workers. 2. Quality Jobs – Job expos, support for “One Tambon, One Freelance Career Group”; and the “Thai Mee Ngan Tum” job platform, and 3. Labour Security – Enhanced social security rights and access to microloans for self-reliance
Mr. Phiphat continued that the Ministry of Labour offered a Labour Day gift for employers, employees, and social security contributors nationwide: expanded access to low-interest career loans, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Labour and partnering banks to reduce dependence on informal debt. The loan package is divided into two key segments: 1. For Employees – A 100 billion Baht loan pool under the “Career Loan” scheme for those wishing to start side businesses or upskill for higher income. This transforms social protection into real opportunity, empowering workers to build new livelihoods and stable family incomes. 2. For Employers – A 20 billion Baht Employment Promotion Loan Phase 3, targeting SMEs needing liquidity to sustain employment. Offered at a low 2.35% fixed interest for three years, it is a practical tool to help businesses continue hiring workers.
“This is not just about helping individuals,” said Mr. Phiphat. “It’s about stimulating the grassroots economy, ensuring that both workers and employers can move forward with confidence.”
The Labour Minister, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives met with the thousands of workers who participated in the day’s event. The Labour Day fair gave attendees access to a wide range of state services, including 174,000 job openings, health checkups, skills training and online learning with certificates, free vaccinations, social security registration under Section 40, and handmade product sales by skilled workers.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, remarked that National Labour Day reflects the importance of workers as the backbone of Thailand’s economy across all sectors — industry, agriculture, services, and business. The Ministry is committed to enhancing workers’ lives through modern legal protections, skill development, and equitable welfare systems. Collaborations across sectors aim to build a fair and sustainable labour system where all Thai workers can thrive.
+++++++++++++++++++
Division of Public Relations
