April 28, 2025 — Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, led a delegation of senior executives to Nakhon Phanom Province to conduct a comprehensive inspection of labour-related operations. The visit was in conjunction with the official Mobile Cabinet Meeting aimed at strengthening the grassroots economy in the Upper Northeastern Region 2 (Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, and Sakon Nakhon). Mr. Sakwiwat Khampong, President of the Nong Yang Chin Subdistrict Administrative Organization, also participated.
Mr. Phiphat said that the visit included inspection of occupational promotion efforts, meetings with local labour networks, and engagement with labour volunteers to hear concerns, receive suggestions, and provide direct labour-related consultations, ensuring close support to workers in the province.
A key highlight of the trip was the visit to the “Ban Na Hua Khua Tai Basketry Group” in Nong Yang Chin Subdistrict, Renu Nakhon District. This is a self-employed community enterprise of more than 40 households practicing sustainable bamboo weaving using rotational bamboo cultivation to reduce raw material costs. The group produces environmentally friendly products that are in line with the BCG Model. Thanks to this initiative, members now earn an average supplementary income of 7,000–8,000 Baht per month. The Nakhon Phanom Provincial Employment Office also supports access to the Self-Employment Promotion Fund, offering loans up to 300,000 Baht to expand businesses and boost local economic opportunities.
Key Labour Statistics
According to labour data for Nakhon Phanom, there are over 210,000 self-employed workers and over 272,000 people in employment. There are approximately 2,123 registered migrant workers and more than 63,000 insured workers under Social Security Act Sections 33, 39, and 40.
Mr. Phiphat emphasized that the Ministry of Labour is committed to enabling self-employed workers to access career promotion services, skill development programs, and social benefits. He also stressed the importance of connecting them with market opportunities to enhance their quality of life in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan in tangible ways.
“Freelance workers must be supported to achieve stable income and develop long-term, sustainable careers in their communities,” Mr. Phiphat concluded.
