On February 28, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, proceeded to expand cooperation with Thai workers in Macao and joined a discussion with Mr. Tai Kin Ip, Macao’s Minister of Economy and Finance, to open opportunities for Thai workers to enter the workforce in the growing service and industrial sectors in Macau. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, 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 the Ministry of Labour’s executives also joined the occasion.
Mr. Phiphat said that Macau confirmed the need for more Thai workers! Currently, approximately 1,040 Thai workers are working in Macau. The Macau government and employers still need Thai workers because they are recognized for their work skills, diligence, good manners, and ability to adapt well to Macau society. They also confirm that Thailand has skilled workers ready for the service industry. The Ministry of Labour will support the development of language and skills that meet market demands before sending workers to work in Macau, and Thailand can prepare workers in advance through training. The Ministry of Labour will continue coordination through the Thai Labour Ambassador in Macau.
Mr. Tai Kin Ip said that Macau is expanding its investment in the hotel and casino business, including plans to create a new special economic zone, which will open up opportunities for Thai workers to play a more significant role, especially in the hotel, restaurant, casino, and spa business sectors. Job positions that require more Thai workers include: 1. Hotels and resorts – housekeepers, receptionists, and concierges 2. Restaurants – chefs, cooks, bartenders, and servers 3. Casinos and entertainment – customer service staff and receptionists 4. Spas and health – Thai massage therapists. Macau is also interested in Thai workers with food skills (Food Designers) because Thailand and Macau have similar food reputations. Having Thai chefs and menu designers will help boost Macau’s tourism industry.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, said that Macau is ready to expand employment opportunities for Thai workers and will discuss with six leading casino companies how to increase employment quotas. Thai workers must be prepared in terms of language and specialized skills to meet market demands. Notably, the Thai Ministry of Labour will develop a more efficient training and worker dispatch system.
Mr. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, added that Thailand has a training center for Wellness and Spa and is open to the public and private sectors of Macau to visit to develop labour cooperation in this field, which can also support the Macau workforce.
“This is a major opportunity for Thai workers! Macau is growing, and Thai workers are in high demand. Get ready to enter the global labor market!” concluded Mr. Boonsong.
