Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, revealed that from a field visit to businesses in Surat Thani Province, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, praised Haadthip Public Company Limited, the Punpin Factory, for being a model of a company that takes quality care of the workforce. The company emphasizes “people” as the heart of the organization. It is free of illegal labour, supports the development of vocational skills, and also promotes workers’ welfare according to the principles of the sufficiency economy by aligning to the guidelines of the Ministry of Labour’s Good Labour Project, encouraging employees to have additional income, helps reduce expenses, and creates stability in daily life from growing vegetables, growing rice, and raising fish in the factory area. The Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson said that last year, over 172,000 employees benefited from the Good Labour Project under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. This group of people was able to consume their products at home and sell them in their communities to generate additional income, increasing their average income by 500-2,500 Baht per month, or a value of 115 million Baht from the project. The Ministry of […]
Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, revealed that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, sent his best wishes to fellow workers in the formal sector and independent workers on the occasion of the Thai New Year or Songkran Day 2025. During this year’s festival, the Ministry of Labour has requested the cooperation of employers to allow their employees to take a break from work and stressed that drivers must not work over 8 hours per day, must not do more than 2 hours overtime and must have a 10-hour break between shifts, for the safety of the driver and all passengers. The Ministry of Labour will provide free vehicle inspections from April 11-17, 2025, at roadside service points under the concept of DSD Good Driving Before Traveling. They will distribute drinking water and safety stickers with the “Fill Your Heart, Safety on Every Route” activity and facilitate insured persons who are in an emergency to seek free treatment at the nearest hospital within 72 hours by using only their national ID card, linked to their social security benefits. The Ministry of Labour will also allow foreign workers from […]
On April 10, 2025, at 15.00 hours, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, received donations. The Ministry of Labour, represented by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, in collaboration with the Occupational Safety Network by Advanced Safety Executives, Generations 1-6, and the Rayong Provincial Safety Association, brought 100 pairs of safety shoes, 50 dozen gloves, and three boxes of face masks, totaling 1,500 pieces, to support the work of officials who are helping workers affected by the earthquake and the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General’s building under construction. Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, the Social Security Commission, and relevant agencies jointly received the donations at the lobby on the ground floor of the Ministry of Labour building.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, revealed that to support all groups of people and workers to travel back to their hometowns safely during the Songkran Festival 2025, the Ministry of Labour has integrated the work of all agencies under its jurisdiction to provide services to support both Thai workers, migrant workers, and employers so that they can travel with peace of mind, with rights, welfare, and safety on every route. Mr. Phiphat spoke about public service activities during Songkran 2025 by each department as follows: The Department of Employment has resolved to allow migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar who have valid work permits to travel back to visit their families during Songkran and return to work in Thailand without having to apply for a Re-Entry Permit. The grace period is April 1 to May 15, 2025. If workers return after May 15, they must re-apply for a permit according to the normal procedure. Employers and migrant workers have been instructed to strictly comply with the conditions and to return within the specified period so as not to lose their rights. The Department of Skill Development will provide […]
On April 3, 2025, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, revealed that from the earthquake on March 28 and the building collapse that caused injuries and deaths, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, gave great importance and took immediate action. He instructed the establishment of a war room to help workers within 1 hour after the incident broke out nationwide. Currently, as of April 2, 2025, the Ministry of Labour has assisted by paying compensation to 22 affected people through social security benefits, totaling 17,388,375 Baht, divided into 850,000 Baht for funeral expenses, 15,568,392 Baht for compensation in the event of death, and 969,983 Baht for old age pensions. Currently, documents are being collected from dependents who are entitled to the compensation. Mr. Boonsong added that in the case of the collapsed building, a total of 96 people were affected, comprising nine injured people, 2 of whom were Thai workers, six foreign workers, 1 of whom was unknown and nationality unknown, 15 dead people, 10 of whom were Thai, three foreign workers, 2 of whom were unknown and nationality unknown, and 72 people are still missing and under […]
March 31, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited the Joint Command Center at the new office building of the Office of the Auditor General to monitor the situation and establish the “Coordination and Assistance Center for Workers Affected by the Earthquake.” The center aims to provide urgent support for all workers, both Thai and foreign. Accompanying the minister were Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; Mr. Samat Patamasukhon and Mr. Santi Nantasuawan, Deputy Permanent Secretaries; Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment; Mr. Decha Prukpattanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Captain Saroj Komkai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare; Ms. Marasri Jairangsee, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office; and Ms. Kanjana Phulkaew, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, along with other senior officials. The center integrates cooperation from agencies under the Ministry of Labour, including: Department of Labour Protection and Welfare: Providing consultations on labour rights, outstanding wages, compensation, and other benefits. Social Security Office: Verifying entitlements and processing financial assistance claims for insured workers. Department of Employment: Coordinating with insurance companies and liaising with home […]
On March 29, 2025, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, chaired the War Room Meeting of the Coordination and Assistance Center for Workers Affected by the Earthquake at the Ministry of Labour and held a teleconference with the affected provincial labour offices. Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives and officials from all departments under the Ministry of Labour attended the meeting. Under the policy of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, the Ministry of Labour has been assigned to take care of affected workers in all dimensions by using the full potential of every department in the Ministry. The War Room meeting has determined the following measures to help workers: The Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour Establish a coordination center to receive reports and facilitate information. Facilitate workers in issuing replacement documents for lost work permits. Cooperate with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to repair damaged workers’ houses. Open hotline channels 0 2956 2923 – 27 and 1506 press 5 for advice and coordinate assistance. Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) Visit the area to jointly inspect […]
On March 29, 2025, at 15.00 hours, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, executives and related officials visited the scene of the building collapse caused by the earthquake. Lieutenant General Sirapop Supawanich, Director of the Department of Military Engineering, Royal Thai Army, also joined the visit. The site was the construction project of the new 30-storey Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building located on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road. The visit followed up on the progress and assistance from the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry of Labour will urgently find measures to provide relief to all foreign workers affected by the incident.
On March 22, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, to chair the opening ceremony of the 30th National Skills Competition and the 10th National Skills Competition for the Disabled. Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Department of Employment’s Director-General, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Krirkkrai Nasomyont, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s Inspector-General and Acting Legal Advisor, and executives of the Ministry of Labour joined in the ceremony. Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, reported to the Phoenix Room, Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province. Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, gave a speech after the competition. He said that the National Skills Competition and the National Skills Competition for the Disabled are missions of the Department of Skill Development under the Ministry of Labour. The competition is organized as a platform for Thai and foreign participants to showcase their skills. The 30th National Skills Competition is a platform to select youths to represent the Thai national team to participate in the 14th ASEAN […]
On March 20, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, co-chaired the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion of Employment for Conscripts between the Department of Employment, the Department of Skill Development, the Ministry of Defense, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Trade of Thailand. 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. 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. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, General Sanitchanok Sangchan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Nattawut Phattharayoon, Roi Et Provincial Employment Officer and Acting Academic Labour Advisor, Ms. Kornjirat Phongchanthorn, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, executives from the Ministry of Labour, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of […]
Surat Thani, March 15, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, led the special task force “Trai Thep Phithak” to Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, to inspect the work of foreign workers in tourism establishments, and enforce the law in all dimensions, including illegal employment, forced labour, and the use of child labour in the worst forms. The inspection also aimed to accelerate the suppression of illegal workers, protect careers reserved for Thais, and create balance in the labour market. High-ranking officials from many agencies also joined the inspection, such as Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsanaporn Phichphon, Superintendent of News Analysis and Special Equipment, Technology Crime Suppression Division 5, Tourist Police Division 3, Operations Officer, Intelligence Division, ISOC, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, Department of Employment, and the Royal Thai Navy. Mr. Phiphat spoke about the results of foreign worker inspections in the area. From inspections of 15 establishments and 251 workers, 201 foreign workers were identified (110 from Myanmar, 10 from Laos, 80 from Cambodia, and one from Russia), of which […]
On March 14, 2025, the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Employment, is moving forward to create employment opportunities for people in Songkhla Province, the economic center of the South. It has collaborated with business operators and the Prince of Songkla University to organize the “JOB FAIR 2025 @Songkhla” event. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony. The event was attended by Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, along with Mr. Jirawat Maneechote, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Kaewpradab, President of Prince of Songkla University, Mr. Kobchai Wongwaiyut, Songkhla Provincial Employment Officer, and heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Songkhla at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus. Mr. Phiphat said that Songkhla Province is an important strategic area of the South. With special economic zones, it has the highest value of border trade in […]
March 11, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, shared good news for migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar working in Thailand. The Foreign Workers’ Policy Committee (FWPC) meeting no. 3/2025 resolved to allow workers from the 3 nationalities to return to their country to participate in the Songkran festivities without having to pay a fee for a re-entry permit. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, the Ministry of Labour’s executives and representatives from related agencies attended the meeting at the Prof. Nikom Chandrawithu Meeting Room, 5th floor, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour Building. Mr. Phiphat said the meeting resolved to support labour relations between Thailand and neighboring countries. It aims to help reduce the cost burden for migrant workers who want to travel back to visit their families and join the Songkran festival this year. He said, “Migrant workers are a key force in the Thai economy. This relaxation is considered to provide appropriate rights and benefits so that the workers can return to work in Thailand with better morale.” Grace period: […]
On March 6, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, chaired the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in promoting employment for the disabled, together with 21 leading establishments to provide opportunities for the disabled to have jobs, income, and live their lives with pride. The signing was attended by executives from the Thailand Association of the Blind and executives from 21 establishments. 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, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, and the Ministry of Labour’s senior executives attended the event at the meeting room on the 5th floor of the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Phiphat said that the Ministry of Labour is moving forward to support the employment of people with disabilities, expanding employment opportunities. In 2023-2024, 39,910 people with disabilities were employed through Section 33. It also supports employment measures in the […]
On March 2, 2025, at 15.00 hours, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, along with Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour as representatives to welcome H.E. Mr. Yoav Ben Tzur, Minister of Labour of the State of Israel and his delegation. In this regard, H.E. Ms. Orna Sagiv, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, also joined in welcoming the delegation at the Special Lounge, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Samut Prakan Province. The welcome was on the occasion of the minister’s official working visit to Thailand from March 2 to 6, 2025. The visit was at the invitation of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, to pay a courtesy call and discuss official labour matters at the Chatumongkol Room, 6th floor, Ministry of Labour Building. The Minister of Labour is scheduled to chair a dinner reception on March 4, 2025.
February 26, 2025 – Hong Kong Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, the Consul-General in Hong Kong, the Director-General of the Department of Employment, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, the Director-General of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office and executives of the Ministry of Labour has discussions with the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong (EFHK) to strengthen cooperation in the field of labour, aiming to expand opportunities for Thai workers to work in Hong Kong and adjust to future workforce demands. Mr. Phiphat said that EFHK was established in 1947 and has over 450 member organizations covering a variety of industries. He said that Hong Kong is facing a continuous shortage of workers, especially in the technical, service, retail, and tourism sectors, which are key opportunities for Thai workers. Mr. Phiphat continued that the Ministry of Labour reiterates its goal of sending Thai workers to work abroad. The latest data shows that Hong Kong was short of over 51,000 workers in 2024 in key industries, such as 10,000 technicians, 24,000 workers […]
