The Labour Minister showed concern for employers, employees, and travel service businesses in Chiang Mai, from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Assistant to the Labour Minister was assigned to join a video conference with business operators in the area, to listen to issues and troubles, and coordinate with departments in the area for part-time employment, technical training and language training, to enhance employee skills as required by the private sector, to build business confidence and quick recover.
On March 27, 2020, at 10.00 hours, Assistant to the Labour Minister Dr. Duangrit Benjathukul Chairungrueng chaired the video conference for discussions with Chiang Mai business operators. Participants consisted of the President of the Chamber of Commerce, hotel operators, President of the Restaurant Association, President of the Hotel Association, tour guides, tourism business operators, the Van Association and representatives of relevant human resources departments. The meeting took place at the Saengsingkaew conference room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour Mrs. Thienrat Nawamawat and the Ministry of Labour’s executives also joined the event. Through joint discussions, it was found that business operators in Chiang Mai have been affected by the Covid-19 virus pandemic, which has caused tourism and the tourism sector to stagnate. Many businesses asked the Ministry of Labour to assist in finding vacancies for employees who have been affected, as well as vocational training, especially the technical training for operators in the transportation sector. They also asked for training in Chinese, Korean and Russian languages for tour guides. In addition, the businesses required historical training, including van and taxi drivers, who should develop skills or raise awareness to provide good services for tourists, as well as the demand for tour guides to have social security access under Section 33 or Section 39.
Assistant to the Labour Minister spoke about the Ministry of Labour’s remedial measures for the businesses in Chiang Mai, as requested. The Ministry of Labour has assigned its agencies to assist with its missions, such as the Department of Employment, which has prepared 529 part-time jobs in Chiang Mai, in 13 companies, allowing employees to work on an hourly basis. It is also a way to reduce expenses for the employer. The Department of Skill Development by the Chiang Mai Skill Development Institute 19 and the Lamphun Office of Skill Development, has organized training courses including up-skill or re-skill training, such as language skills, mental services, etc. The Social Security Office has amended laws to increase benefits for self-employed insured persons under Section 40 to have welfare in case of illness or physical disability, or in cases of hospitalization, death, or old age with a lump sum payment, including child welfare for example. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare will provide suggestions and create understanding between employers and employees in the labor relations system.
For more information, please contact the agencies under the Ministry of Labour in the area or call the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline.
Division of Public Relations
27 March 2020
