January 21, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, took part in a vocational training activity under the delivery restaurant course, featuring Koy See Mee and Khao Tang Na Tang. This course forms part of the GIG WORKER project of the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour, held at the Modern Woman Cooking School.
The Labour Minister stated that she places great importance on creating equal opportunities, particularly in enabling vulnerable groups, informal workers, older persons, and those affected by various circumstances to access vocational training. Culinary training is one of the key approaches to developing workforce skills that align with current and future labour market demands, especially in the service and tourism industries. These skills can be developed into either a primary occupation or supplementary work, generating income for individuals and their families. On this occasion, she and the Department of Skill Development’s executives participated in vocational training activities under the Project to Enhance Skills of Freelance Workers and Specific Target Groups to Increase Employment Opportunities (Gig Worker). The project aims to develop occupational skills for informal workers and self-employed individuals, enabling them to acquire skills applicable to their occupations, increase income, and better support their families.
The Labour Minister further stated that the Ministry’s freelance vocational training programmes, implemented by the Department of Skill Development, cover a wide range of fields and emphasise both theoretical and practical learning. This ensures that trainees can apply the knowledge directly to real occupations. Participants receive training from experienced instructors, along with guidance on cost management, product pricing, and marketing, in order to expand sales channels and generate sustainable income.
“The Ministry of Labour places continuous importance on developing workforce skills to enhance competitiveness, create employment opportunities, ensure stable incomes, and enable people to be self-reliant in a sustainable manner,” the Labour Minister said.
Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, added that trainees under this project will receive a daily allowance of 120 Baht during the training period. Upon completion, they will receive a set of occupational tools worth 4,000 Baht per person, enabling them to start working immediately, along with a certificate issued by the Department of Skill Development. Participants attending today’s course will receive an electric oven, a gas stove, and a hot-air fryer. He emphasised that freelance vocational training is a key mechanism for improving people’s quality of life and a vital tool for strengthening household-level economic security, particularly for informal workers, low-income earners, and those affected by economic conditions. The training equips participants with skills that allow them to be self-reliant and more secure in their occupations. Those seeking employment or wishing to pursue supplementary work to increase household income may apply for training with the Department of Skill Development offices located in every province nationwide, or enquire further via the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, press 4 (Department of Skill Development).
