The Labour Minister accepted the Prime Minister’s urgent measures and instructed 13 Labour Ambassadors to monitor and take care of Thai workers working in foreign countries in affected areas by the COVID-19 epidemic, to build awareness of self-care. He asked relevant parties to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Public Health, which gives information via online media, as well as coordinate with employers to help look after the workers to prevent the spread of the virus.
On March 3, 2020, Labour Minister M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul spoke about the Prime Minister’s orders regarding urgent measures for the resolution of issues from the COVID-19 epidemic. It looked at two sides, including disease prevention and health, and related mitigation. The Ministry of Labour was assigned to monitor and supervise Thai workers working in countries with the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Labour has ordered the Minister Counselors (on Labour), the Thai Labour Office (Overseas), in all 13 locations to raise awareness among Thai workers who go to work in various companies within their responsible areas. He advised the parties to follow measures set by the Ministry of Public Health regarding self-care to prevent infection, to monitor the situation carefully and strictly follow the measures and recommendations from official agencies.
M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul said that he also ordered the Labour Division in all 13 Labour Offices overseas, to cooperate with companies to take care of the workers to prevent infection, as well as raise awareness among workers through online media such as Facebook, LINE, Thai temple, Thai communities, Thai shops, and labour volunteers, to provide information and various measures. As for mitigation measures related to the Ministry of Labour, Departments under the Ministry of Labour will assist according to the mission, such as preparing vacancies to support and promote self-employment and skill development as needed, as well as coordinate with employers to track wage arrears and other benefits to be protected under labour laws.
Division of Public Relations
4 March 2020
