September 25, 2025, at 10.00 hours – Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, welcomed representatives from the Confederation of Thai Labour (CTL), led by Mr. Manas Kosol, together with more than 10 employees from the offshore petroleum platform construction sector. The delegation visited the Ministry of Labour to submit a petition and discuss measures to support workers in the industry who may face redundancy, potentially affecting over 10,000 employees. They also raised the issue of preventing foreign companies that win bids from moving production overseas, which could exacerbate redundancies in the future. The meeting took place in the Labour Relations Committee Meeting Room, 1st Floor, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that the Ministry of Labour is deeply concerned for workers in the offshore petroleum platform construction sector and has instructed all parties to find ways to assist to the fullest extent. As an initial step, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has been tasked with acting as a coordinating body and information hub. Should the matter involve business operations, […]
September 23, 2025 – Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, presided over the opening of the seminar to formulate operational guidelines and the annual action plan for the Ministry of Labour for the fiscal year 2026. Ms. Warunee Langkapin, Director of the Strategy and Planning Division, delivered the report. The seminar was attended by senior executives, heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour, both at central and regional levels, as well as labour attachés abroad. A total of 700 participants attended in person at the Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, The Emerald Hotel, Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng District, Bangkok, while over 500 participants joined via electronic conferencing. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon stated that the Ministry of Labour plays a highly significant role in driving Thailand’s economy. In progressing towards becoming an “Economic Ministry,” it is necessary to formulate policies and operational guidelines that are concrete, practical, effective, transparent, and accountable, both at the central and regional levels. This seminar therefore served as a platform to link operations between central and regional agencies, enabling the action plan […]
September 23, 2025 – Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, presided over the opening of the seminar to formulate operational guidelines and the annual action plan for the Ministry of Labour for the fiscal year 2026. Ms. Warunee Langkapin, Director of the Strategy and Planning Division, delivered the report. The seminar was attended by senior executives, heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour, both at central and regional levels, as well as labour attachés abroad. A total of 700 participants attended in person at the Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, The Emerald Hotel, Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng District, Bangkok, while over 500 participants joined via electronic conferencing. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon stated that the Ministry of Labour plays a highly significant role in driving Thailand’s economy. In progressing towards becoming an “Economic Ministry,” it is necessary to formulate policies and operational guidelines that are concrete, practical, effective, transparent, and accountable, both at the central and regional levels. This seminar therefore served as a platform to link operations between central and regional agencies, enabling the action plan […]
September 10, 2025, at 13.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, assigned Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to serve as co-chair at the launch of the “Gifted Listeners” project. The ceremony was also co-chaired by Mr. Chokchai Wichianchaiya, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, who gave an opening speech. The event was held at Eden Zone, 1st Floor, CentralWorld. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, said that he has always believed that employing persons with disabilities is not merely a legal obligation, but a means of restoring dignity and opportunity for all Thais to stand equally in society. This is at the heart of the Ministry of Labour’s policy: to promote employment that is inclusive, accessible, and fair. Mr. Samat continued that in the past, the Ministry of Labour has consistently supported the employment of persons with disabilities through various measures, such as promoting employment under Sections 33 and 35 of the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act B.E. 2550, providing vocational training suited to individual potential, and fostering cooperation […]
September 4, 2025, 09.30 hours, Chumphon – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, assigned Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, to visit the Wannakhet Community Enterprise to meet with freelance workers producing and selling coffee beans. The visit aimed to raise awareness about migrant workers while also listening to the group’s history, operational outcomes, and challenges. He was joined by Lt. Cdr. Vittavat Koodprasert, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Khattiya Paendetch, Inspector-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Sombat Phothiwat, Inspector-General of the Department of Skills Development, and Ms. Nomita Wyant, Inspector-General of the Social Security Office, at Moo 10, Hat Phankrai Sub-district, Mueang Chumphon District, Chumphon Province. The Wannakhet Community Enterprise was established by members of the Chumphon Organic Agriculture Group, under the Chumphon Sustainable Agriculture Federation. The group practises sustainable organic farming, processing their produce for joint sale. They began with coffee as their primary product and later expanded into herbal teas, essential oils, and herbal extracts, leading to the formal formation of the “Wannakhet Community Enterprise.” The Ministry of Labour has supported this freelance group […]
September 1, 2025, at 08.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, presented certificates of honour and cash prizes to young competitors, along with plaques of appreciation to supporters of the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition, held in the Republic of the Philippines. Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Mr Sutthikiat Weerakitpanich, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson (on politics), Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary of Labour, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, Mr. Sakdanat Sontisakdyothin, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour also joined the ceremony which took place at the Ballroom Wing, Bangkok Palace Hotel, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, said, “I would like to extend my congratulations to all medal recipients and commend the 34 young competitors, along with the 29 experts, who have given their utmost effort. This achievement highlights the talent and capability of Thai youth, whose […]
August 25, 2025, at 13.30 hours – Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Minister of Labour, chaired the meeting of the Working Group on Enhancing the Potential of Thai Workers and Expanding Overseas Labour Markets. Participants included Lt. Cdr. Vittavat Koodprasert, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, senior executives from the Ministry of Labour, and representatives of relevant agencies. The meeting took place at Prasong Rananant Conference Room, 5th Floor, Ministry of Labour. The meeting considered strategies for expanding overseas labour markets, focusing on measures to increase opportunities for Thai workers abroad and to align workforce development with the demands of international labour markets. For fiscal year 2025, the Ministry of Labour has set a target of sending 100,000 Thai workers overseas, which is expected to be achieved by the end of the fiscal year. For fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set a more ambitious target of 200,000 placements abroad. The Chair also informed the meeting of the Minister of Labour’s five key policy priorities, highlighting in particular the commitment to “create economic opportunities by raising the income of Thai […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, addressed public concerns regarding health check services for migrant workers provided by certain medical facilities, amid suspicions that some may not yet have been formally authorised. This has raised questions about the validity of medical certificates and potential impacts on both workers and employers. The Labour Minister emphasised that the issue is being taken seriously and has instructed officials to conduct an immediate investigation. Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, reported that under the Cabinet resolution of September 24, 2024, migrant workers are required to undergo tests for prohibited diseases. These tests can be conducted at any licensed public or private healthcare facility. For private facilities, they must be reviewed by the Department of Employment, have their health check data integrated with the department’s system, and be publicly listed as approved providers. The criteria were jointly established by a working group comprising the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Medical Sciences, the Department of Health Service Support, the Department of Disease Control, and the Department of Employment. The Department of Employment announced the criteria for private healthcare providers on October […]
August 20, 2025, 13.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of the OSH Avenue International Conference 2025 (OAIC 2025), an international seminar on occupational health, safety, and working environment. The event was attended by Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Minister of Labour, Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Mr. Sakdanat Sontisakdyothin, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, and the Ministry of Labour’s senior executives. Also present to welcome participants were Mr. Nuntachai Panyasurarit, Director of the Thailand Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Public Organisation) or TOSH, together with TOSH executives and business operators. The event took place at the Grand Hall, True Digital Park, Sukhumvit 101, Bangkok. Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, stated that he was deeply honoured to preside over the opening of this international seminar, organised by TOSH, whose mission is to promote knowledge, innovation, research, academic services, and personnel development in occupational health, safety, and environment. This international academic seminar, OAIC 2025, is of great significance as a global platform where experts from around the world can exchange knowledge, foster innovation, and build international networks, thereby advancing […]
August 20, 2025, 10.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, together with Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, and executives of the Ministry of Labour, to meet with the Labour Rights Network. The group called on the Ministry of Labour to consider postponing the collection of contributions to the Employees Welfare Fund. The meeting took place on the ground floor of the Ministry of Labour building.
August 9, 2025 – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over the “Repair, Rebuild, Relieve” initiative in Nan Province, where he met with and offered encouragement to flood-affected residents. Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretariat to Labour Minister, Mr. Banjong Khunphet, Deputy Governor of Nan Province, Major General Bunyarit Kasetwetin, Commander of the 38th Military District, Suriyapong Camp, Nan Province, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, joined the occasion. Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, reported on the objectives of the meeting. Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, senior Ministry officials, provincial leaders, military personnel from the 38th Army Circle, and volunteers from local businesses who helped provide repair services to the community joined the occasion. The event was held at Wat Don Mun in Du Tai Subdistrict, Mueang District. Mr. Pongkawin explained that Tropical Storm Wipha had caused severe flooding across 14 districts, 84 subdistricts, and 695 villages in Nan, affecting 33,681 households (90,208 people) and damaging approximately 141,795 rai of farmland, along with flash floods and landslides in several northern and […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, revealed that after receiving an urgent report from authorities in Chonburi Province regarding many Chinese and Myanmar migrant workers illegally employed at a plastic molding factory in Nong Bon Daeng Subdistrict, Ban Bueng District, he immediately instructed the Director-General of the Department of Employment to dispatch a special operations unit to the site. He also stressed the strict enforcement of labor laws. In addition, the Labour Minister ordered the establishment of a “Committee on the Inspection of Employment Conditions, Forced Labour, and Worst Forms of Child Labour among Migrant Workers” to ensure rigorous oversight across all dimensions, including unfair employment, forced labour or services, and child labour in its worst forms. The goal is to eliminate illegal labour practices. According to Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, joint operations were carried out with provincial authorities, including the Chonburi Provincial Employment Office, Chonburi Provincial Labour Office, Chonburi Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare, Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Anti-Human Trafficking Division, and local administration. The inspections confirmed 32 illegal migrant workers, 4 Chinese and 28 Myanmar nationals. Of these, 4 had […]
August 7, 2025, 10.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretariat to Labour Minister, to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Freelance and Home-Based Jobs Fair 2025” at the Ministry of Labour, Din Daeng, Bangkok. He was joined by Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongpan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phattharayoon, Academic Labour Advisor, Ms. Kornjirat Phongchanthorn, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and other senior executives of the Ministry. The event took place in the foyer on the first floor of the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretariat to Labour Minister, stated that the event, organized by the Department of Employment, aims to create opportunities for freelancers, home-based workers, franchise businesses, and food truck operators to showcase and sell their products, generate additional income, and expand new markets. The fair also serves as a platform to connect with employers, helping people secure jobs and income while promoting equal opportunities. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s […]
August 6, 2025, 10.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretariat to Labour Minister, to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Occupational Safety and Health in the Southern Region, Songkhla Province 2025” event. The event was held at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Songkhla Campus, aiming to instill a strong safety culture in the southern region, which continues to face various occupational risks. Also attending the ceremony were Mr. Jirawat Maneechoti, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, and Mr. Nantachai Panyasurarit, Director of the Thailand Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSH), along with heads of labour-related government agencies in Songkhla Province. Mr. Surasit emphasized that the Ministry of Labour prioritizes sustainable workplace safety nationwide, focusing on reducing accidents and occupational diseases across industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and the informal labour sector. He noted that this event serves as an essential mechanism for disseminating knowledge, raising awareness, and upgrading safety standards in a widespread and continuous manner. Mr. Nantachai added that the southern region remains particularly vulnerable, especially among workers in the fishing industry and rubber factories. Without proper safety measures, workers’ health and […]
August 1, 2025, 10.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony of the Bangkok Labour Volunteer Capacity Enhancement Project to advance the Ministry of Labour’s missions. He also outlined the Ministry’s strategic direction for the fiscal year 2026 and presented plaques to 10 Bangkok Labour Volunteer Coordination Centers. The event was attended by Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, who delivered the report, along with other senior executives of the Ministry of Labour at Miracle Grand Rooms A and B, 4th Floor, Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok. Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, expressed his appreciation to Bangkok labour volunteers for their dedication and selflessness in supporting the Ministry of Labour’s work. He emphasized that all volunteers serve as vital intermediaries, connecting labour services from the Ministry of Labour to the people, and are an essential network closest to communities in disseminating the labour missions. These missions include employment promotion, skills development, vocational training, labour protection, and social security. Volunteers also play a key role in drug prevention campaigns within communities, particularly in workplaces or small shops employing fewer than 10 workers. Each […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit visited Surin Province to distribute relief bags to people affected by unrest along the border and to drive forward comprehensive labour support measures. On July 31, 2025, at 13.30 hours, Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, visited Surin Province to distribute relief bags to residents affected by the unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border at Surindra Rajabhat University and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, in Mueang District, Surin. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Labour, including Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Ms. Boonyavee Kwaiphan, Chief Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Pongkawin stated that the tense situation along the border has impacted military personnel, civilians, and workers alike. The Ministry of Labour is therefore collaborating with relevant agencies on the ground to alleviate hardship and boost morale among the people. The relief measures include establishing a central situation monitoring centre and provincial operations centres, led by the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, to collect labour-related data, monitor worker movements, and coordinate with security agencies and local networks. The Department of Employment (DOE) is supporting […]
