July 12, 2025, 10.00 hours – Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony of Vietjet Thailand Sky Career 2025. He was welcomed by Mr. Pinyot Phibulsonggram, Vice President of Commercial and Customer Service, along with the executive team of Vietjet Thailand, at Paragon Cineplex, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon, Pathumwan, Bangkok. Mr Boonsong expressed his pleasure and honour in taking part in the Vietjet Thailand Sky Career 2025 event, organised by Vietjet Thailand, noting that it provides an essential platform for the public, especially young people, to explore career paths and opportunities in the aviation industry, a key sector with strong potential to drive Thailand’s economic growth. He congratulated Vietjet Thailand for its rapid and sustained growth. He commended the airline’s clear commitment to supporting Thai labour, particularly by creating opportunities for youth to develop their potential, learn, and grow in a stable and sustainable career. As the Minister of Labour, he emphasized the Ministry of Labour’s focus on developing workforce skills that align with market demands, including professional, digital, and […]
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 […]
July 4, 2025, 09.19 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, paid homage to the sacred deities enshrined at the Ministry of Labour, including Phra Phuttha Sutthithammabophit, Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, the Shrine of Phor Pu Chai Mongkhon, the Shrine of Thao Maha Phrom Thewarit, and the Shrine of Phor Pu Chin Phromma. The ceremony was held to mark his appointment as the 18th Minister of Labour. He was welcomed by Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, along with senior executives, civil servants, and ministry officials, at the Ministry of Labour.
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 11, 2025, 14.00 hours – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour assigned Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, and Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to represent the Ministry of Labour in receiving the body of the last deceased Thai hostage from the conflict in Israel. The delegation also laid a wreath in tribute. The event was attended by Ms. Chayika Wongnapachan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Devora Dorsman Yarkoni, Deputy Chief of Mission, Israeli Embassy, and senior officials from the Ministry of Labour, held at the Suvarnabhumi Airport cargo terminal in Samut Prakan Province. Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, said that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, had assigned him, along with the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour and senior executives from all agencies under the Ministry of Labour, to represent the ministry in receiving the Thai worker’s body, repatriated by the Thai Embassy and arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 14.00 hours. A wreath from the Minister of Labour was also presented to express condolences. Mr. Aree added that on June 9, the Ministry of […]
June 9, 2025, 18.00 hours local time, Geneva, Switzerland – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, took part in a key mission at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), the world’s leading tripartite labour forum. He witnessed Thailand’s official vote, represented by Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, who cast a vote on behalf of the government to approve the ILO’s work plan and budget. Also attending were Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Mr. Phiphat stated that key resolutions included approval of the 2026–2027 programme and budget, which prioritises international labour standards, the tripartite system, full and productive employment, sustainable enterprises, gender equality, equal opportunities, social protection, and digital transformation. The conference also endorsed the membership fee rates for the period. Mr. Boonsong concluded by saying that this vote reflects Thailand’s constructive role in shaping the […]
June 7, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, expressed his deep sorrow following the confirmation of another Thai worker’s death who had been held hostage during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. A report from Mr. Kittithana Srisuriya, Minister Counsellor (on Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, stated that the Israeli military discovered the body of Mr. Nattapong Pinta, a 35-year-old worker originally from Phrae Province, in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. He had a wife residing in Nakhon Phanom. The Labour Minister, along with the Ministry of Labour’s executives, offered their condolences to the bereaved family. He confirmed that the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv, Mr. Kittithana Srisuriya, has been instructed to urgently coordinate the processing of all entitled benefits with both Israeli authorities. In Thailand, the Department of Employment confirmed that Mr. Nattapong was a member of the Fund for Job Seekers Going to Work Abroad, and the Social Security Office verified that he was previously a registered, insured person, meaning his family would be entitled to relevant financial compensation. To provide moral support, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary […]
Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, revealed that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, is closely monitoring and expediting the work of the Trai Thep Phithak Special Task Force, which was established under the Labour Minister’s directive. The task force is tasked with inspecting employment conditions, labour practices, forced labour or services, and the worst forms of child labour among migrant workers. The aim is to combat illegal labor, prevent unauthorized occupation of Thai jobs, and address illegal immigration, as well as protect Thai workers’ rights. The initiative involves strict enforcement of labour-related laws by integrating efforts from three core departments: the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, the Department of Employment, and the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. It also involves collaboration with 11 other state agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Royal Thai Police, the Military, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), to conduct nationwide inspection operations. The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson said that from December 18, 2024, to April 30, 2025, the Trai Thep Phithak Special Task Force conducted 20 inspection rounds, covering […]
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 4, 2025, at 18.00 hours – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, along with his spouse, attended the banquet in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of Coronation Day on May 4, 2025. Accompanying the Labour Minister were Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Thiamkhae Thapchaiyut, President of the Ministry of Labour’s Housewives Association, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, 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, and Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office. The event took place at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House, Dusit District, Bangkok. The government organized this state banquet to honour His Majesty the King on this important national day: Coronation Day, May 4, 2025. Attendees included members of the Privy Council, former prime ministers, presidents of constitutional organizations, cabinet ministers, members of parliament (MPs) and senators, ministry-level civil servants, military and police officers, political appointees under the Prime Minister’s Office, foreign ambassadors and honorary […]
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 […]
On April 18, 2025, at 13.00 hours, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to receive a letter from over 10 rider and platform representatives, expressing their opposition to the draft of the Independent Labour Promotion and Protection Act B.E. … The groups oppose this because they view the act as benefiting capitalists while reducing workers’ rights, especially platform workers. They also called on the Ministry of Labour to expedite the protection of all platform workers fairly, including the unclear rights to protection, group formation, and negotiation, which is a result of the definition that divides independent workers into “freelance” and “semi-freelance” occupations, which does not reflect the reality of workers who often work in multiple occupations, with limited access to funds, and a lack of stable security for some occupations. They also called on the Ministry of Labour to truly accept labour participation by listening to and using their opinions to improve the law. Mr. Manas Kosol, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr. Kritkrai Nasamyont, Legal Advisor, Ms. Kornjirat Phongchanthorn, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives of the Ministry […]
April 18, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited Haadthip Public Company Limited at the Punpin Factory in Surat Thani Province to promote the “Quality Workplace” model that emphasizes workers’ welfare, skills development, and labour management in accordance with the law. Mr. John Joseph Benedetti, Senior Vice President of Operations, Supply Chain & Demand Fulfillment, and his team welcomed the delegation. Mr. Phiphat said that Thai workers must be ready for change with relevant skills, safety, and fair benefits. The Ministry of Labour is, therefore, moving forward to improve the quality of life of workers and drive the BCG economy, which grows alongside the environment and the quality of life of workers. The Haadthip factory is a model of an establishment that takes care of workers in all aspects. It is free from child labour and illegal foreign workers, promotes workers’ welfare according to the principles of the sufficiency economy, has projects to develop employee skills, such as training to drive large trucks, provides knowledge on social security and work safety, and has received awards for labour relations and labour management systems from the Ministry of […]
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 […]
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 […]
On February 20, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, chaired the seminar opening on benefits from the Labour Skill Development Fund. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, also joined the event. Mr. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, gave a report. In addition, executives from the Ministry of Labour and officials from business establishments in the Bangkok area joined the ceremony at the Grand Ballroom, 3rd floor, Bangkok Palace Hotel, Bangkok. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, said that the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Skill Development, is hosting a seminar on benefits from the Skill Development Fund to advise businesses to recognize the importance and comply with the Skill Development Promotion Act and to fully utilize the benefits from the Skill Development Fund. In addition, it supports business establishments in prioritizing employee skill development in accordance with the Skill Development Promotion Act to increase business capabilities, enabling them to reduce costs, increase production and service […]
