May 15, 2025, 10.00 hours (KST) – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mrs. Sirirat Srichart, Labour Minister-Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, and delegation visited 119 newly arrived Thai workers at the Yeoju Training Center for New Foreign Workers, operated by the Korea Labour and Employment Foundation (KLEF) under South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour. The visit aimed to show moral support on the workers’ first day of EPS training, following their arrival in South Korea the previous day.
In a meeting with Mr. Park Jong-pil, Secretary-General of KLEF, Minister Phiphat discussed developing cooperation in promoting Thai workers and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to sending workers who are skilled, knowledgeable, and disciplined.
Mr. Phiphat stated that KLES (Korea Labour and Employment Service) is an agency under the Ministry of Employment and Labour of South Korea, with the primary responsibility of promoting international labour cooperation, managing the employment of foreign workers under the EPS system, and providing training for foreign workers who have just arrived in the country. This training prepares them in terms of language, culture, labour laws, and various benefits before they begin working. He added that Thailand aims for its workers to progress from E-9 visas to E-7 visas, which represent skilled labour positions with higher incomes and greater recognition from South Korean employers. He urged all workers to diligently study the language, be responsible, and refrain from vices such as gambling, drugs, or any immoral behaviour in order to uphold the good reputation of Thai workers and return home with savings and pride.
During the training, Thai workers demonstrated a strong determination to learn about Korean culture, labour laws, and basic language skills to prepare themselves before entering the workplace. Their commitment received praise from KLEF, which noted that Thai workers showed greater dedication and better preparation than many other countries. The Ministry of Labour affirmed its full support and emphasized that the Thai Labour Office in Seoul will continue to provide close assistance.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, added his thanks to the South Korean government and KLEF for taking good care of Thai workers. He also requested further cooperation in encouraging South Korean employers to increase the hiring of Thai workers in the coming year. Both sides are also planning to continue their collaboration in developing training systems and supporting labor efforts in the future, with an official meeting scheduled during the Korean delegation’s visit to Thailand this June.
