February 23, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, held a press conference announcing the Outstanding Working Women Awards on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. Joining the event were Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan and Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, Inspector-Generals of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Seksit Sawanyathipat, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives of the Ministry of Labour. During the event, 33 Outstanding Working Women for 2026 were introduced as role models from various fields, including Suvara Tawichasri, Governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (Outstanding Female State Enterprise Executive), Patimoh Sadiyamu, Governor of Pattani Province (Outstanding Female Government Executive), Maleewan Jameena, Outstanding Female Artist, Sompratana Nawong, owner of the “Ejan” page (Outstanding Female Media Professional), Nattakanya Saengpho, Outstanding Female Private Sector Executive, and Naree Samratnakul, Outstanding Female Private Sector Practitioner. The awards aim to honour their achievements and inspire women across the country.
The Labour Minister stated that the Ministry of Labour places importance on creating “decent work that is secure and dignified” for all workers, particularly women workers, who represent a vital, productive, creative, and family pillar. The Ministry of Labour has therefore implemented key policies, including promoting opportunities and enhancing the capabilities of women workers through Upskill, Reskill, and New Skill programmes, particularly in digital, technology, and creative industries. It also emphasises fair protection of women’s labour rights, the expansion of social protection coverage to reduce vulnerability and ensure long-term security, and the promotion of work–life balance. One key initiative is extending maternity leave from 98 days to 120 days, enabling women to fully perform their roles as mothers while returning to work with quality and stability. This is considered a crucial foundation for the country’s future human resources.
“I firmly believe that women are not only a driving force of the economy but also the foundation of strong families and society. The Ministry of Labour, therefore, remains committed to supporting all women in realising their full potential and moving forward with pride,” the Labour Minister concluded.
Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, added that for the 2026 awards, outstanding women were selected from a wide range of professions across both the public and private sectors. A total of 33 women were selected across 11 award categories, namely: 1. Outstanding Female Executive. 2. Outstanding Female Practitioner. 3. Outstanding Female Labour Network Leader. 4. Outstanding Self-Employed Woman. 5. Outstanding Female Leader of a Private Sector Labour Organisation. 6. Outstanding Female Artist. 7. Outstanding Female Media Professional. 8. Outstanding Woman from a Non-Governmental Organisation. 9. Outstanding Female Labour Academic. 10. Outstanding Woman in Social Development Participation. 11. Outstanding Woman in Community Development Promotion. The award ceremony, under the theme “Women’s Power, Modern Pathways: Advancing Thailand’s Labour Economy Towards Sustainability”, will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Lak Si District, Bangkok.
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Division of Public Relations
23 February 2026
