March 10, 2026, 13.30 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to represent the Ministry of Labour in welcoming and facilitating Thai workers affected by unrest in the Middle East. A total of 10 workers returned from Bahrain and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan Province. This marks the second group of returnees from Bahrain, following the first group of 1 worker who returned on March 6, bringing the total to 11 workers to date.
Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that currently 11 Thai workers have returned from Bahrain, and a further 9 workers are expected to arrive on March 11, 2026, also from Bahrain. In addition, Thai workers in Iran are awaiting flights home, with nearly 1,000 having expressed their intention to return to Thailand. The Ministry of Labour will continue to provide advance notice of flight arrangements.
“As soon as workers arrive in Thailand, the Ministry of Labour will ensure that they receive their entitled benefits and provide guidance on submitting claims to the Fund for Supporting Thai Workers Abroad, so that they can receive compensation as quickly as possible,” Mr. Pichet said.
Mr. Pichet further explained that the Ministry of Labour has established a three-step systematic support framework for assisting workers:
Step 1) In the country of origin: Workers register their intention to return through labour attachés, then register via the SMART TOEA application and enable location tracking. This allows the Ministry of Labour to maintain communication and respond promptly in emergencies. Support is also provided for food, temporary accommodation, documentation, and flight arrangements.
Step 2) Upon arrival in Thailand: Ministry of Labour officials will be present at the airport to receive workers. Workers will scan a QR code to indicate their needs, such as seeking employment in Thailand, returning to work abroad once the situation improves, or undertaking vocational and language training.
Step 3) Follow-up at domicile: After verifying entitlements, information will be forwarded to provincial labour offices and relevant agencies to conduct home visits and provide continued support in accordance with the Ministry of Labour’s responsibilities.
Mr. Pichet added that any workers who have already returned to Thailand but have not yet registered for assistance via the airport QR code can contact their provincial labour office or relevant Ministry agencies directly to request support, or call the Ministry of Labour hotline 1506 for further information.
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Division of Public Relations
