June 23, 2025 – Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, addressed the current situation of Thai workers in Israel amid the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. His remarks followed his chairing of the 3rd Meeting (2025) of the Coordination and Assistance Centre for Monitoring the Unrest in the State of Israel, held at the Prasong Rananan Meeting Room, 5th Floor, Ministry of Labour. He stated that, in light of the escalating tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, the Ministry of Labour is closely monitoring developments under the directive of Prime Minister Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Ministry’s highest priority is to ensure the complete safety (100%) of all Thai workers in affected areas. The Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the armed forces, is jointly monitoring the situation. If any severe or undesirable incidents occur, Thai authorities stand fully prepared to repatriate Thai nationals immediately. At present, reports from the Labour Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, and at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as well as other related agencies, confirm […]
June 20, 2025 – Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, announced that the Ministry of Labour has established a Coordination and Assistance Centre to monitor the situation of unrest in the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The center was created to provide close protection and support for Thai workers in at-risk areas, and Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, has been appointed as the Director of the Centre. According to reports from the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv, there have been no reports of Thai nationals being injured or killed in the latest incidents. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Labour has proactively implemented measures to ensure Thai workers can immediately access emergency support if unforeseen events occur. One of the key measures is encouraging all Thai workers in Israel and Iran to install the “SMART TOEA” application on their mobile phones (available on both Android and iOS systems). Users are asked to grant location access so that the Ministry of Labour can track workers’ locations in real-time, which will enable rapid response and evacuation in case of emergencies. At present, seven Thai workers […]
June 18, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited Songkhla Province to preside over a ceremony distributing basic tools to graduates of occupational skill development training programs. He also presented the National Skill Standard Mark, signage for official skill testing centers, and occupational skill qualification certificates. Joining the event were senior officials from the Ministry of Labour, including Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Labour, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Komes Piyaphan, the Department of Skill Development’s Inspector-General, local agency representatives and a large number of informal workers. The event took place at the Siam Oriental Hotel, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, stated that the Ministry’s core policy aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing the quality of life and well-being of Thai […]
June 14, 2025 — Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Prime Minister Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed deep concern for Thai workers currently in Israel and instructed the Ministry of Labour to closely monitor their safety. In response, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, has launched immediate action focusing on three key areas: Closely monitoring the safety of Thai workers across all areas in Israel. Coordinating with employers and recruitment companies to prepare safe zones and evacuation plans in case of emergency. Urging all Thai workers to promptly report their current locations to the Labour Office in Tel Aviv or via relatives through the Department of Employment in Thailand to ensure an up-to-date system for rapid assistance when needed. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, stated that he had instructed the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv to coordinate with all employers in Israel to establish safe zones for Thai workers. Workers are also advised to always carry important identification documents, avoid high-risk areas and public gatherings, and closely follow official government updates. Additionally, recruitment companies in Thailand have been advised to suspend the dispatch of new worker groups to […]
June 5–6, 2025 – under the directive of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, the Ministry of Labour intensified its ongoing policy to regulate and enforce proper employment practices for migrant workers across Thailand. The move is part of the strategy to eliminate illegal foreign labour, prevent job displacement of Thai nationals, and ensure compliance with Thailand’s foreign labour laws. Mr. Pichet Thongpan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, was assigned to lead the “Trai Thep Phithak Special Task Force” to inspect businesses in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The inspections targeted a variety of establishments including Thai massage parlours, mobile phone shops, general merchandise stores, vegetable and meat vendors, and construction sites. Mr. Phiphat said that a total of 14 foreign workers (6 men and 8 women) were found in violation of the Foreign Workers Management Decree B.E. 2560 and its amendments. This included 12 working outside the permitted job scope, 9 from Myanmar (5 men, 4 women), and 3 stateless individuals (1 man, 2 women). Two workers were working without a valid work permit, both from Myanmar (2 women). All 14 individuals were handed over to the Hat Yai […]
June 8, 2025, 14.00 hours – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony of the 37th National Occupational Health and Safety Fair, or Thailand Safe@Work 2025, under the theme “Fostering a Culture of Safety for a Sustainable Thai Society.” Mr. Nantachai Panyasurarit, the Director of the Thailand Institute Of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSH), delivered the opening report. Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Dr. Kamthon Chipchai-Issara, Chairman of the TOSH Board, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, and Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, the Deputy Permanent Secretaries of Labour, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam and Ms. Jirapa Boonrat, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives joined the occasion. The event drew participation from business representatives, government agencies, educational institutions, and workers from across the country at the Phoenix Hall, IMPACT Exhibition Center, Halls 11–12, Muang Thong Thani. Mr. Phiphat reaffirmed that […]
May 31, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, shared a media briefing following his response to questions during the House of Representatives budget deliberation on the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget Bill, affirming that he addressed all concerns raised by the opposition with clarity and precision. Mr. Phiphat stated that the increased 2026 Fiscal Year budget allocation for the Ministry of Labour will support key programs under the Department of Skill Development, including procurement of computer and AI systems. These investments are crucial for developing updated training curricula in IT and AI, replacing outdated equipment to align with evolving labour market demands. He added that traditional skill development models no longer match industry needs. In response, the Ministry is enhancing workforce capabilities through collaboration between the Department of Skill Development, educational institutions, and private enterprises by upskilling and reskilling with modern skills. Notable partnerships include training programs with Microsoft for AI-related skills, as well as modules in semiconductors, electrical and electronic technologies, and digital competencies. The Ministry is also working with vocational and higher education institutions to prepare students entering the workforce, implementing credit transfer systems via the Credit […]
May 26, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over and witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on preventing the use of child labour and forced labour in key product sectors, including shrimp, fish, sugarcane, garments, and downstream products (such as fishmeal, fish oil, and animal feed). The MOU was signed in collaboration with 12 public and private sector agencies. Also in attendance were Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Department of Employment’s Director-General, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Ms. Jirapa Boonrat, the Social Security Office’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour. The event was held at the 5th Floor Conference Room, Ministry of Labour Headquarters, aiming to enhance labour rights protection, build confidence among trade partners, and support […]
May 15, 2025, 10.00 hours (KST) – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mrs. Sirirat Srichart, Labour Minister-Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, and delegation visited 119 newly arrived Thai workers at the Yeoju Training Center for New Foreign Workers, operated by the Korea Labour and Employment Foundation (KLEF) under South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour. The visit aimed to show moral support on the workers’ first day of EPS training, following their arrival in South Korea the previous day. In a meeting with Mr. Park Jong-pil, Secretary-General of KLEF, Minister Phiphat discussed developing cooperation in promoting Thai workers and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to sending workers who are skilled, knowledgeable, and disciplined. Mr. Phiphat stated that KLES (Korea Labour and Employment Service) is an agency under the Ministry of Employment and Labour of South Korea, with the primary responsibility of promoting international labour cooperation, managing the employment of foreign workers under the EPS system, and providing training for foreign workers who have just arrived in the country. This training […]
May 12, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, represented Thailand at the APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (APEC HRDMM 2025) in Jeju, South Korea. He was joined by Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mrs. Sirirat Srichart, Labour Minister-Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, and the delegation. The Labour Minister presented proactive approaches to preparing the workforce for the future, under the themes “Flexible and Dynamic Labor Markets” and “Active Labor Market Policies (ALMPs) for the Future of Work”. The Labour Minister emphasized that “Thailand is committed to building an inclusive, fair, and future-ready labour system, particularly in response to trends such as AI technology, demographic shifts, and the green economy.” He proposed five core labor policies to the APEC community: Reskill, Upskill, and New Skill: Developing digital, environmental, and emerging tech skills for all workforce groups to stay competitive in the global market. Support for Freelancers and Platform Workers: Enhancing job placement services and extending workers’ protection to cover new work models. Promotion of Elderly Employment: Encouraging flexible jobs for seniors and facilitating […]
May 11, 2025 – Jeju, South Korea. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, continues to advance international labour cooperation by holding bilateral meetings with Mr. Min-Suk Kim, Acting Minister of Employment and Labour of South Korea, and Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia. These discussions took place ahead of the 2025 APEC Human Resource Development Ministerial Meeting (APEC HRDMM 2025), set to begin on May 12. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mrs. Sirirat Srichart, Labour Minister-Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, also joined the occasion. In talks with Mr. Min-Suk Kim, Acting Minister of Employment and Labour of South Korea, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to legal labour migration. They discussed expanding employment opportunities for Thai workers in service sectors such as restaurants, hotels, and elderly care areas currently experiencing labour shortages in South Korea. Mr. Kim acknowledged Thailand’s vision to elevate its labor force to international standards. Both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration in the legal migration programs, skills development, and protection of Thai workers’ rights in South Korea. South […]
May 10, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and a delegation traveled to the Republic of Korea to attend the 7th APEC Human Resource Development Ministerial Meeting, held in Jeju Island from May 9–16, 2025. The mission also aims to strengthen Thailand’s comprehensive labour cooperation abroad. Mrs. Sirirat Srichart, Labour Minister-Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, welcomed the delegation. The first stop was in Seoul. Mr. Phiphat visited Thai workers at Lemongrass Thai, the branch in Gangnam. The restaurant is a popular Thai restaurant chain under Seyeon FNC Co., Ltd., with 13 branches across South Korea. Mr. Phiphat encouraged the Thai workers to work diligently and save money, avoid drugs and vices, work legally to ensure stable income and continuous protection under both Thai and Korean social security systems, and improve job and language skills to qualify for E-7 visas, which offer higher wages, better career opportunities and ultimately, a better quality of life. In a discussion with Mr. Park Bong Soo, CEO of Seyeon FNC, Mr. […]
May 6, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, jointly launched the project and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “Project to Promote and Develop Vocational Skills for Persons with Disabilities and Their Caregivers for Sustainable Development.” The initiative is driven by the Department of Skill Development, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and 12 supporting government and workforce network agencies. Also in attendance were Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Chokchai Wichienchaiya, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Decha Pruekpattanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives. The event was held at the […]
May 2, 2025, at 14.30 hours – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited Phuket FantaSea Public Company Limited in Kathu District, Phuket, to inspect the management of migrant workers. This tourism-oriented company employs a diverse international workforce. The Minister encourages employers to hire legally and actively promote social security inclusion for migrant workers. He was accompanied by Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, and Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour. Mr. Phiphat emphasized that integrating migrant workers into the social security system is more than worker protection—it’s a key pillar for sustainable economic growth in tourist regions. Migrants in the system receive healthcare, compensation, and other legal benefits, while employers enjoy legal certainty, enhancing Phuket’s image as a world-class tourism destination. At Phuket FantaSea, out of 902 employees, 195 are migrant workers (21.6%), all of whom are registered under Section 33 of the Social Security Act, demonstrating a model of legal and effective migrant labour management. According to the Phuket Provincial Labour Office, there are currently over 135,000 registered migrant workers in Phuket. Of these, more than 120,000 are from four main countries: Myanmar, Laos, […]
April 28, 2025 — Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, led a delegation of senior executives to Nakhon Phanom Province to conduct a comprehensive inspection of labour-related operations. The visit was in conjunction with the official Mobile Cabinet Meeting aimed at strengthening the grassroots economy in the Upper Northeastern Region 2 (Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, and Sakon Nakhon). Mr. Sakwiwat Khampong, President of the Nong Yang Chin Subdistrict Administrative Organization, also participated. Mr. Phiphat said that the visit included inspection of occupational promotion efforts, meetings with local labour networks, and engagement with labour volunteers to hear concerns, receive suggestions, and provide direct labour-related consultations, ensuring close support to workers in the province. A key highlight of the trip was the visit to the “Ban Na Hua Khua Tai Basketry Group” in Nong Yang Chin Subdistrict, Renu Nakhon District. This is a self-employed community enterprise of more than 40 households practicing sustainable bamboo weaving using rotational bamboo cultivation to reduce raw material costs. The group produces environmentally friendly products that are in line with the BCG Model. Thanks to this initiative, members now earn […]
On April 20, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited foreign workers working at the port to guide compliance with relevant laws in managing foreign workers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in accordance with government policy. He also visited agencies’ booths under the Ministry of Labour in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, and Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment joined the visit. Mr. Somchai Leelanoi, Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, gave a welcome speech. Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, heads of agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, business operators, foreign workers, and local community leaders joined in the welcome at Pa Pla W. Nitphawan, Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Mr. Phiphat said that the inspection on the management of foreign workers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is a government initiative that […]
