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 […]
December 22, 2025, 10.30 hours local time in the Republic of Korea – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Ms. Sirirat Srichat, Labour Attaché, and the delegation, held discussions with Mr. Yang Seungyong, executive of the Korea Automobile Repair & Inspection Federation, to promote employment opportunities for Thai workers in automobile repair workshops in the Republic of Korea and to strengthen relations between Thailand’s Ministry of Labour and Korean agencies involved in employing Thai workers. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, said that this visit followed information that the Republic of Korea is facing labour shortages in automobile repair workshops, particularly in vehicle paint and auto body repair technicians, and that employers wish to hire Thai workers due to their capabilities and skills. This represents a valuable opportunity to open a new labour market sector for Thai workers in […]
December 21, 2025,10.30 hours local time in the Republic of Korea – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Ms. Sirirat Srichat, Labour Attaché, and the delegation visited a company under the KT&F Group in Gyeonggi Province. They held discussions with Mr. Namin Choi, Chairman of KT&F, and Ms. Prapai Soi, an executive of KT&F and its affiliated companies. KT&F and its affiliated companies operate businesses that produce ready-to-eat Thai food products, such as Isan and Chinese sausages, meatballs, and Thai desserts, including khanom chan, as well as import Thai products for retail and wholesale distribution in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the group operates agricultural businesses that cultivate crops and vegetables using innovative farming systems. The discussions focused on the employment of Thai workers and opportunities to further expand the Thai labour market in the Republic of Korea. […]
December 17, 2025 – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, led a delegation of the Ministry of Labour’s executives to Songkhla Province to inspect the “Repair, Rebuild, and Restore Wellbeing, Creating Jobs” activities organised by the Songkhla Skill Development Institute 12. Attending the visit were Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Somsak Prommadam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General. During the visit, the Permanent Secretary encouraged those affected by the southern floods and reaffirmed that the Ministry of Labour stands alongside the people at all times and will not stop working until all workers can return to everyday lives and livelihoods. The visit took place at Wat Khok Saman Khun, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that the “Repair, Rebuild, and Restore Wellbeing, Creating Jobs” initiative originated from the severe flooding in the southern region in November, which caused widespread hardship, particularly for independent workers who suffered immediate losses of work tools and income. The Ministry of Labour recognises this hardship and upholds the principle of never abandoning Thai people in any situation. Accordingly, […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, held a press briefing after a joint meeting with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and relevant agencies on integrated assistance, relief, and rehabilitation for flood victims in the South, held at the Ministry of Finance. She stated that the Prime Minister had issued urgent instructions following the flooding, ordering a rapid assessment of damage and the impact on affected establishments and employees. Initial data indicate that over 10,000 establishments and approximately 200,000 employees have been affected. The Prime Minister directed all agencies to accelerate every possible project that can provide the fastest relief and support. For the Ministry of Labour, immediate assistance includes income compensation for insured employees under the Social Security scheme. Through the enhanced benefits programme for unemployment due to force majeure caused by natural disaster, the Social Security Fund will provide 50% of daily wages, for days employees are unable to work, for a period of up to 6 months. This measure aims to provide quick relief and mitigate immediate hardship before moving into the reconstruction and recovery phase. The Minister of Labour added that, for insured persons requiring […]
November 25, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, released an overview of the flooding situation in the southern region based on reports from agencies under the Ministry of Labour. According to these reports, 12 provinces, 105 districts, 632 sub-districts, 4,523 villages, and 740,405 households have been affected, with 1,966,843 people suffering hardships. Flooding remains ongoing in 10 provinces: Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. There have been 17 deaths, including one insured person under Section 40, 2 uninsured individuals, and the remaining cases are under verification. A total of 22,988 establishments and 309,368 employees have been affected, of which 10,797 establishments and 205,783 employees are covered by the Social Security system. Ms. Trinuch added that initial relief measures have already been deployed. She has ordered all agencies under the Ministry of Labour, referred to as the “Five Tigers of Labour”, to mobilise forces and assist the provinces, including evacuation efforts and transporting affected people to shelters. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Skill Development, has instructed all Skill Development Institutes and Offices in affected provinces to set […]
November 24, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, officially launched the national policy “Thais Must Have Jobs”, initiating a significant operation to address unemployment, one of the most critical issues affecting the stability of Thai people. The Ministry of Labour has set a target of securing over 150,000 jobs within 4 months, through cross-sector collaboration and a new, nationwide employment service model covering every province. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated that the issue of Thais having “no job” is more than just lost income. It is not merely an economic figure, but a sign of social vulnerability. Unemployment means a loss of income and stability. It can lead to numerous problems, such as family issues, social violence, drug problems, and even exploitation by scam networks that have become a global threat. Without work, people lose opportunity and hope, making them more vulnerable to crime. Therefore, what people need is not just employment figures, but security in life, which the Ministry of Labour must deliver. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong added that “Thais Must Have Jobs” is not a slogan but a responsibility that all sectors must collectively pursue […]
November 21, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of a seminar on “Benefits of the Skill Development Fund under the Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 and its Amendments” for Fiscal Year 2026. The report was delivered by Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour and Acting Director-General of the Department of Skills Development. Attending the event were the Minister’s working group, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, senior executives of the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Skill Development, business representatives, and 500 seminar participants. The event took place in Makkhawan Rangsan Room, 3rd floor, The Royal Thai Army Club. Ms. Trinuch revealed that the seminar on the benefits of the Skill Development Fund under the Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 and its Amendments, for Fiscal Year 2026, was organised to ensure that establishments in the Bangkok area understand the benefits of the Skill Development Fund and the processes for promoting skill development under the Act. The seminar […]
