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.
January 27, 2026 – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Thais Must Have Jobs @ Korat” event for 2026. Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, assigned Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, the Department of Employment’s Deputy Director-General, to deliver the event report. Mr. Banlang Witsiri, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, delivered welcoming remarks. The event was honoured by executives of the Ministry of Labour, heads of provincial offices under the Ministry of Labour in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Director of Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Centre, executives of educational institutions, teachers, lecturers, and employers. The event was held at Terminal Hall, 4th Floor, Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Centre, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Mr. Santi stated that the Ministry of Labour places great importance on promoting employment and continuously creating job opportunities. In fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set five key policy areas to ensure Thai workers have jobs, income, and life security. These focus on driving employment policies alongside workforce […]
January 16, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026, the country’s largest job fair of the year, under the theme “every job, for every lifestyle.” The event was honoured by Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Somsak Prommadam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General. Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior executives of the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, delivered the event report at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Halls 5–6, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated that the Ministry of Labour places great importance on driving the national economy by managing the workforce both quantitatively and qualitatively, alongside developing skills in line with labour market and industrial demand. The Ministry also promotes workplace safety, the protection of rights, and fair access to welfare to sustainably enhance workers’ quality of […]
Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, disclosed that Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, expressed her deepest condolences over the crane accident that collapsed onto a train on the Krung Thep Aphiwat–Ubon Ratchathani route. She has therefore instructed the Social Security Office to verify insured persons who were killed or injured, in order to provide assistance and compensation benefits as quickly as possible. This also includes relief for insured persons affected by the bomb attacks in the three southern border provinces. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, spoke about the assistance and compensation provided to insured persons who were killed or injured in the crane collapse on a train in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. On behalf of the Ministry of Labour, he stated that he had instructed the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Social Security Office to conduct on-site inspections and verify information on the insured persons who were killed or injured. A total of 208 passengers were travelling on the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station to Ubon Ratchathani. Of these, 66 passengers were injured, including 12 insured persons. There were 32 fatalities, of […]
Following the implementation and advancement of policies to enhance benefits under Social Security Section 40, including amendments to the Royal Decree prescribing criteria and contribution rates, types of benefits, as well as criteria and conditions for entitlement to benefits for insured persons (No. 5) B.E. 2568 (2025), to align with present social conditions and the needs of self-employed workers amid changing circumstances since October 2025, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, announced the successful outcome of these efforts. As a result, over 505,000 insured persons under Section 40 are now receiving immediate benefits. At present, Social Security under Section 40 for self-employed workers offers three main options: Option 1 (contribution of 70 Baht/month), covers for illness, disability, and death; Option 2 (contribution of 100 Baht/month), adds old-age benefits (lump-sum gratuity); Option 3 (contribution of 300 Baht/month), adds old-age benefits (pension) and child allowance. Ms. Trinuch stated that, in order to strengthen security and improve the quality of life of insured persons under Section 40 by enhancing benefits without increasing contributions, the Ministry of Labour, through the Social Security Office, has expanded benefits across several areas. These include income compensation for […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about concerns over the declining birth rate, which is a challenge faced by many countries worldwide. If no action is taken, Thailand will be among the 23 countries most severely affected by this issue by 2100. A significant decline in population will have a major impact on national economic systems in the future. The Ministry of Labour has pushed forward the Labour Protection Act (No. 9) B.E. 2568 (2025), which came into force on December 7. This represents a significant upgrade and reform of Thailand’s labour law. The amendment increases maternity leave from 98 days to 120 days, and requires employers to pay wages during maternity leave at the normal working-day rate for up to 60 days. In addition, the law allows childcare leave for a sick child, granting an additional 15 days of leave in cases where a child is ill, disabled, or has special needs, with wage compensation at 50%. Spouses are also permitted to take paternity leave to support their wives during childbirth, for the first time under Thai law, granting 15 days of paid leave at full pay. The […]
January 10, 2026, 09.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the National Children’s Day event of the Ministry of Labour for 2026, and delivered remarks to children and youth. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, presented the event report. Executives, civil servants, officials of the Ministry of Labour, parents and guardians, schoolchildren, residents of the Din Daeng Flat community, children of workers, and representatives from establishments attended the event in large numbers at the ground-floor hall of the Ministry of Labour building on Mit Maitri Road, Din Daeng District, Bangkok. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, said that she was delighted to join the Ministry of Labour’s National Children’s Day event for 2026 and welcomed the children, youth, parents, and employers who attended the activities. This year, the government announced the National Children’s Day slogan for 2026 as “Love Thailand, Care for the World”, aimed at nurturing children and youth to grow into high-quality citizens who take pride in being Thai, while also recognising their role as responsible global citizens with awareness of social and environmental responsibilities. The Labour Minister added that the […]
On January 9, 2026, at the 10th floor of the Social Security Office Area 3 Building, Ministry of Labour, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, met and spoke with the first group of Thai workers prior to their departure to work in Singapore and Taiwan. The Thai Overseas Employment Association and the Employers’ Association for the Promotion of Thai Workers supported 120 free-flight job positions for employment in Singapore and Taiwan under the “Fly Free, Get a Job” programme. Ms. Trinuch said that this programme is a special initiative presented by the Ministry of Labour as a New Year gift to Thai people wishing to work overseas, at no cost. The Ministry coordinated with both associations to provide air tickets and waive personal expenses, including Overseas Employment Assistance Fund membership fees, at no cost. Eligible applicants must be Thai nationals aged 20–43, able to communicate in English, and hold a vocational diploma (Higher Vocational Certificate) or a bachelor’s degree. The Minister of Labour provided further details: For Singapore, the positions are in the production line, open to all genders, with a salary of 36,000 Baht per month, and employers will […]
Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, invites the public, jobseekers, and workers of all groups to attend “JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026”, a major national job fair to be held from January 16–18, 2026, from 10.00–19.00 hours, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. Organised by the Department of Employment, the event aims to connect people with jobs and careers, while promoting comprehensive skills development. The Permanent Secretary of Labour said that a key highlight of this year’s event is the availability of over 500,000 job vacancies from establishments and employers both in Thailand and overseas, across a wide range of industries. These include manufacturing, services, tourism, logistics, digital sectors, and opportunities for part-time and supplementary income. He encouraged the public, jobseekers, and workers from all groups to use this platform to create opportunities for employment, careers, income generation, and ultimately a more stable quality of life. He added that JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026 is not merely a space for job applications, but a platform for workers of all groups to access labour market information, plan career pathways, and prepare for the evolving world of work. The […]
The Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Employment, has announced its readiness to organise “JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026”, the largest job fair of the year, under the key message “every job position fits every lifestyle: Thais must have jobs”, to be held from January 16-18, 2026, from 10.00 – 19.00, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. The event will feature over 500,000 domestic and overseas job vacancies, along with activities to enhance knowledge and understanding, upskill, provide vocational training, and offer comprehensive job application support. It will also bring together fashion, food, art, entertainment, and engaging workshops in one place. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that Thailand currently has over 40 million workers in the labour system. Yet, there remains a significant number of unemployed people and workers whose jobs do not match their skills or capabilities. This is particularly evident as the labour market transitions amid global economic conditions, technological change, and new industrial structures. Many employers still require workers with specific skills, while some workers lack access to suitable job opportunities. This gap represents a key challenge in Thailand’s current labour market. The […]
