Hong Kong, February 27, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, met with Mr. Sun Yuk Han (Chris, JP), Secretary for Labour and Welfare in Hong Kong. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Chaturon Chaiyakam, Consul-General in Hong Kong, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives also joined the occasion to discuss cooperation in sending Thai workers into the Hong Kong labour market in areas where there is a shortage, such as technicians, chefs, and the service industries. Thai workers working in Hong Kong receive higher wages and quality welfare.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare in Hong Kong revealed that Hong Kong is in need of more workers and has opened up opportunities for Thai workers. Hong Kong is currently short of workers in many sectors. The government has approved the import of 60,000 workers, but half of the positions have been filled. Thailand has the potential to send workers to this market. Thai workers are in demand by employers because they have the skills and a similar culture and work well in the service, food, and construction sectors. He said that Hong Kong is ready to work with Thailand to facilitate the import process and provide appropriate welfare.
Mr. Phiphat confirmed that the Thai Ministry of Labour is ready to provide workers with skills that meet employers’ needs through the Department of Employment and the Department of Skill Development; they are preparing to develop the skills of technicians and personnel in the food and service industries to meet the needs of the Hong Kong workforce. The Ministry of Labour will coordinate through the Royal Thai Consulate-General and the Thai Labour Office in Hong Kong to ensure efficient worker dispatch and ask the Hong Kong government to approve additional Thai worker quotas. He said that the Ministry of Labour will continue its close relationship with Hong Kong, especially in facilitating more Thai workers to enter the Hong Kong workforce. He said that he welcomed the plan to visit Thailand to discuss ways to expand cooperation.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, added that it is good news to hear that Hong Kong employers are fond of Thai workers and would like to see Thai workers play a more significant role in the Hong Kong workforce. The Thai Ministry of Labour is preparing to develop workers’ skills so that more Thai workers can work in Hong Kong. It will continue to advocate for workers to receive appropriate remuneration and quality welfare.
