June 10, 2025, 7.45 hours local time, Geneva, Switzerland – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, represented Thailand at the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Breakfast Meeting and prepared to deliver a statement at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) — a key milestone marking Thailand’s proactive role on the global labour stage in 2025. During the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Breakfast Meeting, he held discussions with labour ministers and representatives from ASEAN member states, including Malaysia and Singapore, as well as ILO Director-General Mr. Gilbert Houngbo. All parties expressed appreciation to Malaysia for initiating “ASEAN Year of Skills 2025”, aimed at equipping the regional workforce to meet the challenges brought by AI, technological advancements, and the green economy.
Later, at the 113th Session of the ILC, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presented Thailand’s vision for workforce development under the theme “Jobs, Rights, and Growth”, reflecting this year’s ILO Director-General’s report. Joining the session were senior Thai labour officials, including Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour and the Director-Generals of the Departments of Employment, Skill Development, Labour Protection and Welfare, and the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office.
Mr. Phiphat said that this year, Thailand’s Ministry of Labour is committed to a fair workforce transition into the future of work, leaving no one behind and aligning with international standards. Key policy targets include creating over 600,000 new jobs, domestically and abroad, this year, upskilling and reskilling over 5 million workers, expanding social security coverage and protecting vulnerable worker groups, promoting jobs in the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy, developing skills in AI, semiconductors, and electric vehicles, and strengthening occupational safety through the ratification of ILO Convention No. 155.
Mr. Phiphat further stressed that Thailand not only seeks equality in the world of work but is also committed to ensuring that every worker enjoys dignity, safety, and quality of life well into the future.
At the same time, Thailand’s Ministry of Labour is advancing plans to align national labour policies with ASEAN partners, including participation in the upcoming Global Skills Forum in Malaysia this October, and sharing vocational training best practices with Singapore and other member states. These efforts represent another significant step in demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to building a strong, modern, and competitive workforce grounded in true social justice and ready to thrive in the global marketplace.
