On February 21, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, to lead the special task force “Trai Thep Phithak” to inspect the work of illegal foreign workers and human trafficking at MBK. Twenty-two foreign workers were found in jobs reserved for Thais, 20 of whom were from Myanmar, one from Syria, and one from India. This search was an integrated collaboration between the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, the Department of Employment, and the Royal Thai Police, with Pathum Wan Police Station supporting the mission. The officers took the foreign workers to Pathum Wan Police Station for legal proceedings. Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, said that today’s inspection of foreign workers by the Trai Thep Phithak Task Force is in line with the policy of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, who has strict regulations on foreign workers in Thailand. In addition, Thai employers have complained via the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline that foreign workers have entered the industry and taken jobs from Thais in many areas. Foreigners who work without a work permit or […]
The TAT Governor, Cherry Khemupsorn, and Mint Archporn won awards along with 30 outstanding working women, honouring the role of women in driving the economy, workforce, and society. The Ministry of Labour pushes for 120-day maternity leave rights and the opening of a female worker advisory center. On February 21, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, gave a press conference, presenting the award for “Outstanding Working Women on International Women’s Day 2025.” 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, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Department of Employment’s Director-General, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, joined the occasion. The event was organized by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, which selected 30 outstanding working women of the year. The women included role models from various fields, selected as inspiration for women workers nationwide. The awards honoured exceptional women in […]
Songkhla, February 17, 2025, at 15.00 hours – In a commitment to creating new standards in labour management, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, joined the delegation of Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, and a team of senior executives. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Mr. Nantachai Panyasurarit, the Director of the Thailand Institute of Occupational Safety And Health, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, the Ministry of Labour’s executives, and Mr. Chotinrin Koetsom, the Governor of Songkhla Province, gathered at Thai Union Seafood Co., Ltd. in Wat Khanun Subdistrict, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province. A Model Factory for Legal Worker Care Mr. Phiphat said, “My team and I are committed to raising labour standards by implementing Good Labour Practices (GLP) in every step of labour management. Thai Union Seafood has […]
On February 11, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned officers from the special task force “Trai Thep Phithak” to inspect the work of illegal foreign workers and human trafficking in Bangkok. The investigations uncovered 21 foreign workers in jobs reserved for Thai people. This integrated search followed the inspection plan of the project to inspect employment, employment conditions, forced labour or services, and the use of child labour in the worst form among foreign workers, which focused on protecting Thais whose jobs were taken by foreign workers, foreign workers working without permission, including monitoring human trafficking in the workforce by suppressing, arresting, and prosecuting foreign workers and employers and businesses that violate the law. “Currently, the Ministry of Labour is in the process of granting an exemption to Cambodian and Myanmar workers whose employers have submitted their list of names by February 13, 2025. The exemption will allow the workers to temporarily stay in Thailand and be allowed to work for 6 months in order to complete all procedures. As for Laotian and Vietnamese workers who have been permitted to work until February 13, 2025, they will be […]
On February 9, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, to join the delegation with Mr. Maris Sngiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Orna Sagiv, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, to welcome the five Thai hostages who were released from Israel. The released Thai hostages returned to Thailand today at 07.35 hours on Emirates flight EK 374. The parents, relatives, and families of the workers were waiting to warmly welcome them back home amidst media representatives covering the news at Gate 10, Arrivals Terminal, Suvarnabhumi Airport. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, revealed that today, he, along with the Ministry of Labour’s executives, were assigned by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, to welcome the five Thai hostages who were released from Israel back to Thailand. The five Thais included Mr. Watchara Sri-uan from Udon Thani Province, Mr. Phongsak Tanna from Buriram Province, Mr. Sathien Suwannakam from Nong Bua Lamphu Province, Mr. Surasak Lamnao from Udon Thani Province, and Mr. Bannawat Sae […]
On January 30, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, spoke about the progress of 5 Thai workers released from hostage by Hamas in Israel. He said that he received a report from the Minister Counselor (on Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. At 13.00 hours. Israeli time, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv released the names of the five Thai workers who were released in Khan Younis, as follows: 1) Mr. Watchara Sri-uan, 32 years old, native of Udon Thani Province; 2) Mr. Phongsak Tanna, 35 years old, native of Buriram Province; 3) Mr. Sathien Suwannakam, 34 years old, native of Nong Bua Lamphu Province; 4) Mr. Surasak Lamnao, 30 years old, native of Udon Thani Province; and 5) Mr. Bannawat Sae Tao, native of Nan Province. All of the workers have undergone initial medical assessments. All are safe, and their mental health is good. They can communicate normally and are currently en route to Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofe). The Israeli authorities have requested that they stay for at least seven days. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, spoke about the benefits […]
On January 28, 2025, at 16.30 hours, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, as the president of the special task force to investigate employment, working conditions, forced labour or services, and the worst forms of child labour among foreign workers, to lead the special task force, “Trai Thep Phithak,” to inspect and arrest illegal foreign workers in Bangkok and surrounding areas. Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, gave a report after foreign workers were brought in for questioning, and the arrest was recorded at Phaya Thai Police Station, Ratchathewi District. He said that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, places importance on the work of foreign workers in the country. He has set up a special task force called “Trai Thep Phithak” to look after and protect Thais whose jobs have been taken by foreign workers, to prevent foreigners from working without permission, and to address human trafficking in the workforce by cracking down on, arresting, and prosecuting foreign workers, employers, and establishments who break the law. Today, the special task force, “Trai Thep Phithak,” inspected the work of […]
On January 27, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives visited Songkhla Province to follow up on the implementation of the policy-giving project and listen to feedback regarding regional foreign worker management at i-Tail Corporation Public Company Limited, a company that produces pet food, located on Kanchanawanit Road, Soi 2, Phawong Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province. The company’s executives and employees gave a welcome. Mr. Jiravat Maneechote, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, along with the heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Songkhla, also joined the occasion. Mr. Phiphat thanked and commended the company’s executives for contributing to the country’s development. Today, he met with business operators and foreign workers working at i-Tail Corporation Public Company Limited. He provided explanations and information and exchanged ideas on labour issues with agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Songkhla and workplaces, with the goal of preventing human trafficking and creating awareness to comply with labour regulations and laws. Currently, the Ministry of Labour policies on […]
On January 14, 2025, at 10.00 hours local time in Israel, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Ms. Pannabha Chandraramya, Ambassador of Thailand to Israel, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Kittithana Srisuriya, Minister Counselor (on Labour) and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, discussed official matters with Mr. Avi Dicter, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in Jerusalem, Israel. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he and his deletion traveled to Beit Hilkia Moshav, where they were welcomed by Mr. Avi Dicter, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. Together, they visited Leafresh Farm, a hydroponic vegetable farm. They met with 15 Thai worker representatives and learned about smart agriculture, which is the production and distribution of healthy fresh vegetables grown in a unique greenhouse using hydroponic technology, where computerized systems control water quality measurement points, process and manage temperature levels, and add fertilizers and nutrients. They then met with Mr. Avi Dicter, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, along with representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Interior and the Ministry […]
On January 10, 2025, at 15.30 hours, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, to chair the meeting to find support measures for employees of Yarnapund Public Company Limited. Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and relevant officials attended the meeting at Mitmaitri Room 2, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour Building. The meeting discussed the 265 employees who filed a petition for KorRor. 7. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare will expedite the process so that employees receive compensation from the Employee Welfare Fund by January 27. The Social Security Office has assisted, with approximately 700 employees already registered for unemployment with the Social Security Office. The Department of Employment has provided job vacancies, with 80 employees already securing new jobs. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare will coordinate with relevant agencies to examine other benefits that the employees are entitled to, according to the duties of each agency, such as the Provincial Industrial Office, the Provincial Commerce Office, […]
Today (December 24, 2025), Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, chaired the press conference on the Ministry of Labour’s New Year’s gifts in 2025. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, gave a report. Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant 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, along with the Ministry of Labour’s executives, civil servants, and the media, joined the occasion in the lobby on the ground floor of the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Phiphat revealed the Ministry of Labour’s New Year’s gifts in 2025. He said that the Ministry of Labour has prepared seven New Year’s gifts to give to workers nationwide as a source of encouragement. The gifts are worth 20 million Baht, as follows: The first item is the provision of a source of funds for career promotion. A loan amount of 50,000 to 300,000 Baht will be available at 0% interest for 24 months (by the Department of Employment). The loan is provided by a fund for homeworkers and freelancers to alleviate […]
On December 16, 2024, at 15.35 hours, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, attended to the issue, whereby Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour assigned Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Ms. Kanchana Poonkaew, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s Deputy Director-General, to meet a group of employees of Innovation Footwear Co., Ltd. who urged the Ministry of Labour to help with the Employee Welfare Fund in the case of layoffs. The occasion took place at Gate 3 of the Ministry of Labour’s building.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, spoke about the Super Poll Research Center, which presented the survey results on the evaluation of the Ministry of Social and Economics’ performance. The survey was a case study that sampled people in all professions nationwide on topics such as project implementation and included a total of 1,156 samples for statistical analysis. The survey took place between December 10 to 14, 2024. One of the questions asked about the top three ministers of the Ministry of Social Affairs that survey participants were most satisfied with. The results showed that the Ministry of Labour, represented by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, was ranked second, with a score of 7.41 out of 10. The score was a reflection of improved social security benefits, supporting employment and career opportunities for the people, promoting income, workplace safety, and welfare for workers, caring for people with disabilities and the elderly, and promoting skills development and training in new technologies for workers, for example. Ranked in first place was Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who scored 7.52. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development […]
On December 5, 2024, Labour Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn visited flood-affected areas in Phatthalung Province to deliver relief kits to informal workers, self-employed individuals, and residents impacted by the disaster. The visit was joined by Mr. Kongsakul Chantrach, Deputy Governor of Phatthalung Province, acting as Governor; Mr. Phairoj Chotikasathien, Chairperson of the Minister’s Advisory Committee; Mr. Phuchong Warasri from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat Office; Mr. Phumipat Muenchan, Labour Ministry Spokesperson; and other senior officials, including department directors and provincial Labour Ministry representatives. The distribution occurred at four locations: Village Hall, Village No. 11, Lam Pam Subdistrict; Multipurpose Hall, Ban Khlong Khut, Village No.8, Han Pho Subdistrict, Khao Chai Son District; the mosque in Hat Khao Tao East; and the multipurpose building at Koh Mak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, totaling 2,000 relief kits. Minister Phiphat stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized in a Cabinet meeting the importance of ministries with available resources assisting flood-affected communities. The Labour Ministry provided 4,000 relief kits, supported by affiliated agencies and private businesses. Senior officials have been deployed across seven southern provinces to provide aid and encouragement. In Nakhon Si Thammarat, Secretary to the Minister Aree […]
On December 4, 2024, Mr. Aree Krainara, Secretary to the Minister of Labour, announced that Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn had instructed ministry executives to mobilize efforts across eight southern provinces affected by severe flooding. Mr. Aree was assigned to Nakhon Si Thammarat, where he and his team delivered 570 survival kits at two locations: Moo 1, Koh Thuat Subdistrict (325 kits) and Moo 3, Koh Thuat Subdistrict (245 kits). Additionally, another 100 kits will be distributed tomorrow to informal workers and self-employed individuals impacted by the floods, bringing the total assistance to over 700 kits. Mr. Aree emphasized that the Labour Minister had directed him to focus on aiding informal workers, freelancers, and residents severely affected by the disaster in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, also appointed Ms. Boonyavee Khaiwan, Labour Ministry Inspector-General, and other officials to join the efforts. The team received warm support from local labour offices, community leaders, and residents. Executives from the Labour Ministry are stationed in affected areas, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Songkhla, Phatthalung, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, from December 4–7, providing immediate aid and post-flood recovery. Key assistance measures […]
On December 1, 2024, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, outlined measures to assist those affected by flooding in southern provinces. The Ministry of Labour, under the urgent directive of Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyut, has already dispatched over 500 survival kits to affected areas, with an additional 2,500 kits scheduled for delivery tomorrow, December 2. From December 3 to 5, the minister will personally visit flood-hit communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala, and Hat Yai. The mission will then extend to Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Satun, with senior officials from the ministry also deploying to Trang, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Key activities will include: 1. Distributing survival kits. 2. Providing occupational support, compensating employees for lost income, and assisting business operators. 3. Supporting post-flood recovery efforts, such as repairing electrical appliances, housing, motorcycles, and small agricultural machinery. “If any southern communities remain underserved, please notify us so the Permanent Secretary can direct the local labour offices to take action,” Phiphat said. “We will employ the ‘Chiang Rai Model’ to expedite recovery efforts, helping affected individuals return to work. For assistance, contact the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506.”
