September 15, 2025, at 08.30 hours – Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, presided over the opening of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Policy Dialogue on “Resilient Supply Chains and Inclusive Growth in a Changing World of Work”. He was joined by Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the International Labour Organization, and Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, at the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that this meeting provides an important platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in promoting decent work throughout supply chains across the Asia–Pacific region, which plays a vital role in the global economy. Thailand’s key industries, including electronics, automotive, agriculture, and food, are all deeply integrated into global supply chains, generating employment for millions of workers Mr. Samat further noted that over the past three years, the Ministry of Labour has taken concrete steps to raise labour standards in line with international benchmarks. These include ratifying ILO Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultation and Convention No. 155 on Occupational Health and Safety, improving […]
Ministry of Labour to Celebrate its 32nd Anniversary on September 23. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, announced that the Ministry of Labour is preparing to hold its 32nd anniversary celebration on Tuesday, September 23, at the Ministry of Labour, located on Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok. The programme will include a ceremony to pay respects to the sacred sites of the Ministry of Labour, a Buddhist chanting ritual, and an alms-offering to monks. In addition, representatives from government agencies, the private sector, labour networks, and the media will be invited to join in extending their congratulations. An exhibition will also be held to showcase the Ministry’s major achievements over the past 32 years. This year, a logo design competition for the 32nd anniversary has also been organised. Mr. Samat further stated that throughout its 32 years, the Ministry of Labour has continually improved its services to meet the evolving needs of both the workforce and businesses. The Ministry of Labour has remained steadfast in its commitment to stand alongside workers, employees, insured persons, and employers in all circumstances affecting the labour sector. “The Ministry of Labour is […]
September 4, 2025, 13.30 hours, Nonthaburi – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, assigned Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, to preside over the opening of the project “United S-Generation” under the theme “Safety Network: For the Future of Thailand’s Safety.” The initiative aims to enhance collaboration on labour safety networks and to drive forward Thailand’s Safety Thailand agenda. The event was attended by Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior executives of the Ministry of Labour at Hall 8, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province. Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, emphasised that promoting occupational health, safety, and working environments is a key policy directly linked to workers’ quality of life. The Ministry of Labour has continuously advanced the Safety Thailand programme through strict law enforcement, knowledge development, and strengthening of network mechanisms with the goal of reducing serious occupational accidents. He further noted that as Thailand transitions into a digital and AI-driven society, the economy is becoming increasingly competitive, leading to significant changes in work patterns and the […]
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 […]
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 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 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, Minister of Labour, announced that the Ministry of Labour has introduced urgent measures to assist individuals affected by the recent violence along the Thai–Cambodian border. The Labour Minister has directed four key departments, including the Department of Employment (DOE), Department of Skill Development (DSD), Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), and the Social Security Office (SSO) to implement coordinated support measures for insured employees, employers, migrant workers, and the general public in the impacted areas. From the Department of Employment, key measures include providing areas for field kitchens to prepare food for those affected, coordinating the relocation of Thai workers who wish to leave the conflict zones for work elsewhere, and facilitating the repatriation of Cambodian migrant workers, including temporary shelter arrangements while they await return. They will also advise employers to closely monitor and care for their workers, mainly to prevent conflict among staff, and extend permission for Cambodian migrant workers entering on border passes (even expired ones) to continue working temporarily. The Department of Skills Development will prepare agency-owned facilities to serve as temporary shelters for evacuees and allocate space for additional field kitchens […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, said that following the recent unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, he has instructed all relevant agencies to develop and implement contingency plans urgently. The Ministry of Labour has convened an emergency meeting and established a strategic War Room to monitor the situation closely and coordinate a swift response. The Ministry of Labour is working in full coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of both Thai and migrant workers in the affected border areas. Efforts are focused on preparedness, protection, and compensation for those impacted. In terms of support, injured or deceased workers will be entitled to legal benefits. If the incident occurs during working hours, compensation will be provided via the Workmen’s Compensation Fund. If the incident occurs outside of work, benefits will be available through the Social Security Fund. Workers laid off due to the situation will also be eligible to receive unemployment compensation. The Ministry of Labour urges those affected or in need of assistance to contact the Labour Ministry’s 24-hour hotline at 1506 for further information or support.
July 23, 2025, 15.00 hours local time in Malaysia – Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, along with Mr. Komes Piyaphan, Inspector-General of the Department of Skill Development, Ms. Tharinee Limchularat, Labour Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Malaysia, and their delegation, to hold bilateral discussions with Dr. Hebat Hisham bin Mohd. Yusoff, Undersecretary of the Immigration Affairs Division, Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia. The key agenda included proposals to increase the quota for hiring Thai workers, the sharing of labour statistics, and discussions to reduce fees and ease work permit conditions, especially for Thai workers from Thailand’s five southern border provinces. Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that he had been entrusted by the Permanent Secretary of Labour to represent the Ministry in advancing bilateral labour cooperation. He proposed that the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs consider increasing the quota for Thai workers in critical sectors, citing mutual economic and social stability benefits, particularly for border regions. The Thai delegation also requested access to data on legally employed Thai workers […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, extended his congratulations to all workers following the House of Representatives’ approval of the draft Labour Protection Act (Amendment No. …), which increases the maternity leave entitlement for female employees from 98 days to 120 days. Employers are required to pay full wages for 60 days during maternity leave. Additionally, female employees may take an extra 15 days of leave to care for a newborn child in the case of a serious health condition, developmental abnormalities, or disability, with the employer paying 50% of wages during this extended leave. The bill also grants employees the right to take 15 days of leave to assist a spouse who has given birth. This leave can be taken either prior to or within 90 days after childbirth, and employers must pay 100% of wages throughout the leave period. Mr. Pongkawin further stated that these new entitlements align with the Ministry of Labour’s declared policy to protect all workers equally. He affirmed that the Ministry of Labour will continue to safeguard every worker group. Moreover, he stressed the need to push forward new labour laws that include over […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, expressed concern regarding the recent severe weather that caused flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides across several provinces in northern and northeastern Thailand, as well as other affected regions. In response to the crisis, he has instructed all provincial labour offices under the Ministry of Labour to urgently coordinate relief efforts and closely monitor the situation, especially in areas with significant flooding in residential zones. The Ministry of Labour has deployed officials to affected areas to meet with employers, assess the impact on workers and businesses, and offer support where workers may face income loss or businesses are unable to operate. Mr. Pongkawin has directed the Permanent Secretary of Labour to assign staff to take immediate action, including sending repair teams from the Department of Skill Development to assist in repairing damaged equipment, homes, motorcycles, and electrical appliances in areas where conditions have begun to improve. He has also emphasized the importance of maintaining 24-hour readiness to respond to ongoing heavy rain and provide immediate assistance to mitigate hardship and minimize the impact on the public. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, added […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour revealed that following the Cabinet resolution on July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Interior were tasked with considering relief measures for Cambodian nationals affected by the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, allowing them to remain in the Kingdom and continue working in a manner appropriate to the current context. Thus, today (July 1, 2025), a meeting of the Foreign Workers ‘ Management Policy Committee was held to determine guidelines and measures for managing the work of the aforementioned group of foreign workers. The committee approved the following relief measures for Cambodian workers holding Border Passes, whether valid or expired, who had been allowed to work in Thailand under Section 64 of the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers, B.E. 2560, and its amendments. These workers, whose stay permits in designated border areas have now expired, will be granted the following relief: Temporary stay in the Kingdom extended by 6 months or until the relevant border checkpoint reopens. Additionally, fines for overstaying the permitted period will be waived. Workers may apply for a work permit by submitting the […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, announced that he officially assumed office on July 4, 2025. He arrived at the Ministry of Labour at 08.19 hours and paid respects to five sacred sites within the Ministry of Labour at 09.19 hours. On his first official day, he expressed his readiness and determination to fulfil his duties to the best of his abilities, with the aim of improving the lives and well-being of Thai workers and citizens. “It is a great honour to have received the royal appointment to serve as Minister of Labour. This is a tremendously important responsibility, as labour is a key driver of the national economy. I come from the private sector and understand both the employer’s and the employee’s perspectives, including the challenges faced by both formal and informal workers. I believe my experience can be used to shape effective and practical policies,” said Mr. Pongkawin. He also addressed the current situation involving Cambodian workers who are gradually returning to their home country, which may lead to a labour shortage impacting key sectors of the economy and affecting some employers. Relevant agencies are closely monitoring the […]
