May 6, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, jointly launched the project and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “Project to Promote and Develop Vocational Skills for Persons with Disabilities and Their Caregivers for Sustainable Development.” The initiative is driven by the Department of Skill Development, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and 12 supporting government and workforce network agencies. Also in attendance were Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Chokchai Wichienchaiya, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Decha Pruekpattanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives. The event was held at the Ministry of Labour’s 5th-floor conference room.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, stated that under the vision of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who emphasizes inclusive human capital development, this collaboration is a critical step toward reducing inequality and creating employment and income opportunities for persons with disabilities, helping them live with dignity. Currently, there are around 800,000 working-age persons with disabilities in Thailand, many of whom lack access to vocational training. The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and national skill development networks, is rolling out tailored training programs based on individual potential, with structured pathways into the labor market. The Ministry has also signed MOUs with 23 leading companies to promote employment of persons with disabilities. These partnerships include companies sending disabled workers to receive additional training, and the state assisting trained individuals in finding suitable job placements. This integrated effort between the Department of Employment and the Department of Skill Development aims to benefit vulnerable workers, especially persons with disabilities, enabling them to access stable employment and a sustainable quality of life.
Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, announced a 2025 target of training 4,328 persons with disabilities and caregivers across 215 training cohorts in five vocational categories: 1. Food and Beverage. 2. Technology and Skilled Trades. 3. Crafts and Souvenirs. 4. Agriculture and Processed Foods, and 5. Sales and Services. The courses cover specialized skills such as wheelchair repair, e-commerce, elder care, and customer service. Upon completion, participants will be connected with employers or be eligible for microloans to start their businesses.
Eligibility Requirements: Aged 18 or older, must be a person with a disability or a registered caregiver (as listed on the disability identification card), and must be able to complete the full course. For more information, contact any Skill Development Institute nationwide (except in Chanthaburi and Samut Sakhon), or call the Department of Skill Development hotline at 1506, press 4.
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