Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, held discussions with the Association Française Nuad Thai & Spa and conducted visits to Thai spa and massage establishments and Thai workers in Paris during his participation in the OECD meetings from April 7–10, 2026. The visit aimed to enhance the quality of Thai workers and expand opportunities in overseas markets. The discussions clearly indicated that Thai massage remains in high demand in France, while practitioners must possess professional skills and complete training in accordance with recognized standards. As a result, efforts are being accelerated to upskill Thai workers to meet market demand and strengthen confidence among overseas employers. The Permanent Secretary of Labour emphasised the importance of raising standards for both workers and establishments, with plans to promote the concept of “certified quality Thai massage shops” overseas, similar to the Thai Select certification mark, to enhance credibility and add value to Thai services on the global stage. At the same time, he instructed relevant agencies to intensify efforts to prevent labour exploitation and improve […]
April 10, 2026 – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, attended the Cabinet’s policy statement to Parliament. He was accompanied by Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, and Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretaries of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Dr. Nuntachai Panyasurarit, Director of TOSH, and Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor. The officials provided supporting information to the Minister of Labour and attended the Cabinet’s policy statement to Parliament in accordance with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, B.E. 2560. The session was held at the House of Representatives Chamber, Parliament Building, Dusit District, Bangkok.
April 9, 2026 – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, expressed his deep condolences regarding the deaths of three crew members of the Mayuree Naree, who were killed in an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Labour extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. This incident represents a profoundly distressing loss and has deeply affected the Thai public nationwide. Regarding assistance and legal entitlements for the dependents, the Labour Minister stated that he has instructed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to continue coordinating with the employer of the three crew members. Compensation will be provided in accordance with the Maritime Labour Act B.E. 2558 in cases where a seafarer dies or goes missing as a result of work. Shipowners are required to ensure social security coverage and compensation as follows: Benefits from the shipowner in case of work-related death: – Funeral expenses: THB 50,000, payable to the funeral organiser. – Monthly compensation: Payable to dependents for a period of 10 years, in accordance with legal conditions, not exceeding THB 14,000 per month, with a […]
On April 1, 2026, at 10.30 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, former Minister of Labour, visited the Ministry to pay respects to sacred objects of the Ministry of Labour, including Phra Buddha Suttithammaphobhit, Phra Buddha Chinarat, Chai Mongkhon Shrine, Thao Maha Phrom Thewarit Shrine, and Chao Pho Chin Phromma Shrine, on the occasion of her departure from office. She was joined by Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, senior executives, civil servants, and officials from all departments under the Ministry of Labour, who presented flowers to express appreciation and encouragement. Ms. Trinuch expressed her gratitude to executives, civil servants, and officials across all sectors for jointly advancing the Ministry’s mission in line with its policies. Many initiatives successfully achieved their targets despite budget and time constraints. During her tenure, she focused on improving the quality of life of Thai workers in all areas, including […]
March 10, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the Cabinet has approved an extension of the deadline for renewing work permits for more than 370,000 migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam until March 31, 2026, from the previous deadline of February 24, 2026. This measure aims to prevent these workers from falling out of the system and becoming undocumented, as well as to avoid disruptions to businesses and the labour market, particularly to the country’s economic momentum. The Labour Minister further explained that the Cabinet resolution also extends the deadline for passport preparation or substitute travel documents, as well as for visa processing, from June 24, 2026, to July 31, 2026. As a result, the affected workers will be granted temporary relief once the relevant notifications from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour come into force. In the meantime, employers and businesses with workers of these three nationalities are advised to follow updates on the Ministry of Labour website at www.mol.go.th and the Department of Employment website at www.doe.go.th, or […]
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 […]
Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony and presented awards for the Outstanding Working Women on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026 at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok. Also in attendance were Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, executives of the Ministry of Labour, and representatives from government agencies, the private sector, labour organisations, employers, employees, and relevant networks, with over 400 participants attending the event. Ms. Trinuch stated that the role of Thai women today is widely recognised, with women playing important roles across all sectors, including as leaders, executives, and practitioners in the public, state, and private sectors. According to a UN Women report, Thailand has a high proportion of female executives, with women holding 24% of CEO/Managing Director positions, while Thai women rank first in the world for representation as Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) at approximately 43%. Overall, women account for 32% of senior leadership positions, reflecting their […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, announced following her chairing of a meeting of the Centre for Assistance, Coordination and Monitoring of the Unrest Situation in the Middle East, held together with labour attachés from three missions in the region, that the Ministry of Labour has prepared to support evacuation operations for Thai workers returning to Thailand in accordance with government policy and under the direction of the Prime Minister. The situation has been categorised into four levels of severity: stable, severe, prolonged, and resolved. She has assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, as Director of the Centre, with full authority to command and coordinate all relevant sectors. At present, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities among Thai workers. Regarding assistance for Thai workers in host countries, Ms. Trinuch stated that labour attachés in Israel have been tasked with facilitating and coordinating assistance, particularly with Israeli authorities and employers, to relocate Thai workers from high-risk areas (such as border areas near Lebanon) to safer locations. For Iran, although Thailand does not have a dedicated labour office, the Labour Office at the Royal Thai […]
February 27, 2026, 10.00 hours – Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, attended as a guest of honour at the ceremony to present basic vocational training toolkits or livelihood toolkits. The ceremony was presided over by Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, who presented the basic training toolkits. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, delivered the report, with executives of the Ministry of Labour also present as guests of honour. The event took place at the Meeting Room, 6th Floor, DSD Building, Department of Skill Development. A total of 74 trainees from five training cohorts received livelihood toolkits following completion of their training programmes in Professional Bakery Production and Street Food Preparation. The toolkits provided included electric ovens, food mixers, high-pressure gas stove sets with accessories, gas grill sets with accessories, and electric air fryers. The recipients will utilise these tools to pursue their livelihoods and start their own businesses. ————————————– Division of Public Relations
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the kidney disease situation in Thailand in 2025 has become increasingly serious, with over 1.12 million people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). There have been 800,000 new cases recorded. At present, approximately 17.6 per cent of the Thai population suffers from chronic kidney disease, most of whom are patients with diabetes and hypertension. For insured persons under the Social Security system, the Minister has issued a policy directing the Social Security Office to ensure that insured persons suffering from kidney disease receive treatment in accordance with international standards and that their treatment rights are no less than other healthcare entitlements. The benefits must also cover four main forms of kidney replacement therapy, namely: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), Haemodialysis (HD), kidney transplantation, and palliative care. The Labour Minister stated that kidney disease treatment benefits under Sections 33 and 39 cover insured persons, allowing them to access treatment at all stages free of charge. For haemodialysis treatment, benefits are provided at up to 1,500 Baht per session, not exceeding 4,500 Baht per week or […]
February 23, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, held a press conference announcing the Outstanding Working Women Awards on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. Joining the event were Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan and Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, Inspector-Generals of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Seksit Sawanyathipat, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives of the Ministry of Labour. During the event, 33 Outstanding Working Women for 2026 were introduced as role models from various fields, including Suvara Tawichasri, Governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (Outstanding Female State Enterprise Executive), Patimoh Sadiyamu, Governor of Pattani Province (Outstanding Female Government Executive), Maleewan Jameena, Outstanding Female Artist, Sompratana Nawong, owner of the “Ejan” page (Outstanding Female Media Professional), Nattakanya Saengpho, Outstanding Female Private Sector Executive, and Naree Samratnakul, Outstanding Female Private Sector Practitioner. The awards aim to honour their achievements and inspire women across the country. The Labour Minister stated that the Ministry of Labour places importance on creating “decent work […]
February 20, 2026, 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, chaired the Management of Foreign Workers Policy Committee Meeting 2/2026. Attending the meeting were Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, executives of the Ministry of Labour, and representatives from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health, Internal Security Operations Command, National Security Council, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was held at the Thian Atchakul Meeting Room, on the 10th Floor of the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Building. Following the meeting, Ms. Trinuch stated that the committee had approved the extension of the deadline for resolving issues related to work permit applications, in accordance with the Cabinet resolution of November 11, 2025, particularly regarding the submission of health insurance documents, medical examinations, and payment of the 900-Baht work permit fee. The original deadline of February 24, 2026, for workers of Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnamese nationalities has now been extended to March 31, 2026, to prevent these workers from […]
February 18, 2026, 10.00 hours – Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Thailand, together with her delegation, paid a courtesy call on Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, to discuss avenues for cooperation to advance labour relations between Thailand and the European Union. Also present were Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Surasit Srikaew, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and relevant officials. The meeting took place at the Chatumongkol Meeting Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building, where the delegation was welcomed. Following the meeting, Ms. Trinuch stated that although the government is currently in a caretaker period, the Ministry of Labour continues to carry out its duties fully and consistently, prioritising key labour policies and urgent issues in five main areas: 1. Addressing labour shortages by accelerating labour MOUs with foreign countries to fill gaps, as well as registering migrant workers in accordance with Cabinet resolutions. 2. […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed details regarding the collapse of a dome roof structure at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority Training and Electrical Skills Testing Centre (Bang Phli), Soi National Housing Authority Bang Phli, Bang Sao Thong Sub-district, Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan Province, which resulted in four workers being injured while on duty. She stated that reports from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare confirmed that the building belongs to S.R.N. Sivakarn Limited Partnership, and that all injured persons are employees of the company. The incident occurred while the employees were carrying out their duties. She has therefore instructed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to assign safety inspectors from the Samut Prakan Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare and the Occupational Safety Centre, Area 10, to urgently conduct an in-depth investigation into the cause of the accident. The Labour Minister stated that over the past three months, there have been multiple work-related accidents, reflecting underlying issues in workplace safety standards, which fall under the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s responsibility. The Department must carry […]
On 31 January 2026 (2569), local time in Dubai, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Khotraks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, together with Ms. Sadudee Kittisuwan, Director of the International Cooperation Bureau; Ms. Alisa Supap, Minister Counsellor (Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and delegation, held bilateral discussions with Mr. Hamad Faraj Hamad Dalmouk, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs, Ministry of Labour of the State of Qatar, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During the meeting, both sides discussed labour cooperation of mutual interest under the framework of a “Joint Committee,” which serves as an important mechanism for cooperation between the two countries. The Qatari side outlined its key strategy under Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes national development and entails significant demand for foreign workers across various sectors, particularly in care services, information technology, and communications, all of which require skilled labour. In this regard, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour requested cooperation in considering appropriate wage levels for such skilled workers. The Qatari […]
January 28, 2026, at 10.00 hours – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned, including Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, together with Mr. Sakkadinat Sontisakyothin, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, senior executives of agencies under the Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Labour volunteers, to jointly present 3,000 royal food packages to members of the public who travelled to pay their respects to the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. This activity was carried out as an expression of loyalty and in continuation of the spirit of goodness, dedicated as a royal merit in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, at the Royal Kitchen, Sanam Luang.
