June 18, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited Songkhla Province to preside over a ceremony distributing basic tools to graduates of occupational skill development training programs. He also presented the National Skill Standard Mark, signage for official skill testing centers, and occupational skill qualification certificates. Joining the event were senior officials from the Ministry of Labour, including Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Labour, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Komes Piyaphan, the Department of Skill Development’s Inspector-General, local agency representatives and a large number of informal workers. The event took place at the Siam Oriental Hotel, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, stated that the Ministry’s core policy aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing the quality of life and well-being of Thai people, ensuring they have skills, careers, and income to support themselves and their families, while also accessing appropriate social welfare systems. The Department of Skill Development, under the Ministry of Labour, has therefore implemented a project to enhance skills for informal workers and targeted groups to increase employment opportunities. The Songkhla Skill Development Institute 12 has a target of 400 participants, of whom 160 have completed the program. Today, basic toolkits have been distributed to 100 graduates from four fields of training to enable them to generate income through their new professions. These fields include vintage-style men’s haircutting, installation and maintenance of solar cell systems, decorative plaster product making, and smartphone use for online business. In addition, a skill testing center sign was presented to Songkhla Community College, which has been authorized as a testing center for Level 1 Thai Massage Therapists and Level 1 Computer Operator (Word Processing). The purpose is to assess the skills, knowledge, ability, and attitude of the workforce in line with international standards. The National Skill Standard Mark was also awarded to F1 Service Co., Ltd., which had applied and met the qualification criteria.
Furthermore, training materials for the electrical wiring installation course were donated valued at 12,747 Baht from Arya Rung-Ruang Co., Ltd., and 62,846 Baht from Schneider (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to support training and alleviate the burden of home repairs for five flood-affected households in Ban Koh Lae Nang, Pak Bang Subdistrict, Thepha District, Songkhla Province. The Labour Minister also visited demonstration booths for logistics and smart inventory system development training (jointly organized by the Songkhla Skill Development Institute 12 and Songkhla Rajabhat University), as well as Thai massage for health courses, implemented in collaboration with the Songkhla Skill Development Institute 12, the Songkhla Provincial Employment Office, Songkhla Community College, Thepha Hospital, and Pattana Songkhla Borirak School.
“I sincerely hope that all participants will use the knowledge, skills, and toolkits gained from the training to create career opportunities and generate income to support themselves and their families, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development. Lastly, I would like to thank both companies for their support in providing training materials, which will assist those affected by recent flooding,” concluded the Minister of Labour.
