March 16, 2026, 06.45 hours – Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, together with Mr. Pongthep Phetchsom, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mr. Banchaa Yuenyongjongcharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, and Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with their teams, welcomed all 20 Thai crew members returning from Oman. Upon arrival in Thailand, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare provided close assistance and facilitation at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan Province. Mr. Pongthep Phetchsom, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, stated that the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, has closely coordinated with the ship-owning company regarding wages, welfare, and all related entitlements for the crew, with full cooperation from the company. In terms of entitlements, all crew members will receive full wages, including additional compensation for working in a conflict zone, in accordance with relevant international laws, covering the period from the start of employment […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed the case of a Thai worker who passed away in Israel on March 1, 2026, stating that she had received a report from the Overseas Thai Workers Administration Division confirming that one Thai worker had died. The deceased was later identified as Mr. Amnat Prachit, a resident of Khon Kaen Province. He had initially travelled to work in the agricultural sector in Israel on November 6, 2016, later returned to Thailand, and subsequently travelled back to Israel for work again on September 18, 2019. He returned to Thailand for a second time on November 8, 2022, after which there was no record of further overseas employment. The case only came to light again upon notification of his passing. As there was no record of his most recent overseas employment, his coverage under the Overseas Employment Fund had ceased. Ms. Trinuch expressed her deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Preliminary information indicates that the cause of death was heart failure, resulting from an underlying medical condition, and was not related to the current unrest or conflict […]
February 16, 2026, at 13.30 hours – Mr. Seksit Sawanyathipat, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, paid respects to the sacred sites of the Ministry of Labour, namely Phra Phuttha Sutthithammaphith, Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, Chai Mongkhon Grandfather Shrine, Thao Maha Phrom Thewarit Shrine, and Suchin Phromma Grandfather Shrine, in order to seek auspicious blessings on the occasion of formally assuming his position as Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour. —————————————————————– Division of Public Relations 16 February 2026
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed figures on job placements between September 26, 2025, and February 1, 2026, stating that 66,741 people were placed in jobs domestically through the Thai Mee Ngan Tham (Thailand Has Jobs) system. Most placements were in the manufacturing sector, sales staff, general office personnel, warehouse staff, and drivers. In addition, the JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026, held from January 16–18, 2026, resulted in a further 3,795 people being successfully placed in employment. The Labour Minister stated that the deployment of Thai workers overseas has also achieved highly satisfactory results. During the period from September 26, 2025, to February 1, 2026, the Ministry of Labour successfully facilitated the overseas employment of 40,086 Thai workers, representing 77.09% of the target of 52,000 placements. The figures, categorised by mode of deployment, include: 6,131 workers deployed by the Department of Employment; 11,859 workers deployed through recruitment agencies; 2,564 workers taken overseas by employers; 464 workers sent overseas for training by employers; and 19,068 workers who travelled independently or through re-entry arrangements. Ms. Trinuch added that she has […]
On 31 January 2026 (2569), local time in Dubai, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Khotraks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, together with Ms. Sadudee Kittisuwan, Director of the International Cooperation Bureau; Ms. Alisa Supap, Minister Counsellor (Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and delegation, held bilateral discussions with Mr. Hamad Faraj Hamad Dalmouk, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs, Ministry of Labour of the State of Qatar, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During the meeting, both sides discussed labour cooperation of mutual interest under the framework of a “Joint Committee,” which serves as an important mechanism for cooperation between the two countries. The Qatari side outlined its key strategy under Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes national development and entails significant demand for foreign workers across various sectors, particularly in care services, information technology, and communications, all of which require skilled labour. In this regard, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour requested cooperation in considering appropriate wage levels for such skilled workers. The Qatari […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed that she has instructed the Labour Section at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to closely monitor and take care of Thai workers in Iran. Initial assessments indicate that 38 Thai workers remain safe amid the ongoing protests against the government, and coordination is underway should evacuation become necessary. Ms. Trinuch further stated that the Labour Section has issued advisories to Thai workers to exercise increased caution when travelling, to avoid areas where protests are taking place, and to refrain from participating in any anti-government demonstrations for safety reasons. Thai workers have also been advised to closely follow updates from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, the Labour Section in Abu Dhabi, as well as announcements from Iranian authorities. At present, there have been no reports of Thai workers being involved in or affected by the unrest. Should Thai workers in Iran require assistance, they may contact the Labour Section at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi via WhatsApp, either through Thai labour group leaders or company interpreters, or by calling (+971) 2557 6833, or contact the Royal […]
Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, invites the public, jobseekers, and workers of all groups to attend “JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026”, a major national job fair to be held from January 16–18, 2026, from 10.00–19.00 hours, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. Organised by the Department of Employment, the event aims to connect people with jobs and careers, while promoting comprehensive skills development. The Permanent Secretary of Labour said that a key highlight of this year’s event is the availability of over 500,000 job vacancies from establishments and employers both in Thailand and overseas, across a wide range of industries. These include manufacturing, services, tourism, logistics, digital sectors, and opportunities for part-time and supplementary income. He encouraged the public, jobseekers, and workers from all groups to use this platform to create opportunities for employment, careers, income generation, and ultimately a more stable quality of life. He added that JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026 is not merely a space for job applications, but a platform for workers of all groups to access labour market information, plan career pathways, and prepare for the evolving world of work. The […]
The Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Employment, has announced its readiness to organise “JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026”, the largest job fair of the year, under the key message “every job position fits every lifestyle: Thais must have jobs”, to be held from January 16-18, 2026, from 10.00 – 19.00, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. The event will feature over 500,000 domestic and overseas job vacancies, along with activities to enhance knowledge and understanding, upskill, provide vocational training, and offer comprehensive job application support. It will also bring together fashion, food, art, entertainment, and engaging workshops in one place. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that Thailand currently has over 40 million workers in the labour system. Yet, there remains a significant number of unemployed people and workers whose jobs do not match their skills or capabilities. This is particularly evident as the labour market transitions amid global economic conditions, technological change, and new industrial structures. Many employers still require workers with specific skills, while some workers lack access to suitable job opportunities. This gap represents a key challenge in Thailand’s current labour market. The […]
October 23, 2025, 16.45 hours, Free Zone Office Building, Suvarnabhumi Airport – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Dr Alona Fisher-Kamm, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, attended the ceremony to receive the body of Mr. Sonthaya Akkrasri, a Thai worker who lost his life in Israel during the Israel–Hamas conflict, after being held hostage since October 2023. Upon arrival at the Free Zone area in Suvarnabhumi Airport, Ms. Trinuch, along with her delegation, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Dr Alona Fisher-Kamm, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, entered the Suvarnabhumi Airport cargo terminal to receive the remains. The Labour Minister and her team laid a wreath in tribute and observed a one-minute silence to pay their respects. The atmosphere was deeply sorrowful as officials and attendees honoured the late Thai worker before his body was taken by vehicle to be reunited with his family in Nong Bua Lamphu Province. Ms. Trinuch stated, “Today is another day of sorrow, losing one of our fellow Thai workers who went abroad seeking […]
October 15, 2025 at 13.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with M.L. Kraksiwat Kasemsri, Chief Advisor to the Minister (Foreign Affairs), Ms. Bunnada Supiyaphan, Political Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour, and Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, visited the foreign workers’ work permit production centre and presented work permits to foreign business professionals working in Thailand. The event took place at the IT Square building, Laksi District, Bangkok. Ms. Trinuch, Minister of Labour, stated that she attaches great importance to addressing labour shortages in the business sector to ensure the continuity of business operations. The management of migrant workers remains one of her key policy priorities, particularly through the development of modern, convenient, rapid, transparent, and verifiable administrative processes. Today’s visit marked the presentation of work permits to foreign professionals who applied via the e-WorkPermit system, under the “Outsourcing Service Project for the Production of Work Permits and the Provision of Application and Notification Services for Migrant Workers”. The system officially launched nationwide on October 13, 2025, through the website eworkpermit.doe.go.th. Since the launch, a total of 18,563 users have registered in […]
October 8, 2025 — Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, has ordered an urgent investigation into the case of a Thai chef who reportedly died in Cambodia after being denied medical treatment. According to an initial report from the Social Security Office in Sa Kaeo Province, the deceased was a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and had previously been employed by a private limited partnership company in Thailand. Records show that the individual had made social security contributions for only two periods, the latest being in May 2024, with no further payments thereafter. A review of the Department of Employment’s database found no record of overseas employment registration, indicating that the individual had traveled to work abroad independently, without going through official channels of the Ministry of Labour. The person was also not a member of the Fund to Assist Job Seekers Working Abroad. As Thailand does not have a labour attaché stationed in Cambodia, the Ministry of Labour is awaiting further confirmation and detailed information from the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh. Ms. Trinuch stated that she has instructed all relevant agencies to verify the deceased’s employment […]
August 22, 2025, 09.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over a ceremony to deliver remarks of encouragement and support to the Thai youth delegation competing in the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition, prior to their departure on August 23, 2025, to the Philippines. Attending the event were Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour. The event was held at the Chatumongkol Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building. The ASEAN Skills Competition is an agreement among ASEAN Member States, whereby each country hosts the event in rotation every two years. The aim is to develop human resources and strengthen cooperation in vocational skills, ensuring competitiveness in the face of advancing technologies and alignment with international standards. The competition provides young people with the opportunity to advance as skilled professionals in the labour market, thereby enhancing the nation’s productivity and service capacity in the future. This year marks the 14th ASEAN Skills […]
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 […]
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 […]
