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 […]
Following media reports on a case involving an insured person who received an old-age pension of only 1,320 Baht per month, despite having contributed to the Social Security Fund for more than 181 months, the individual filed lawsuits through the Labour Court Region 1, the Specialised Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, with proceedings spanning over five years. Under the previous legal framework, the pension calculation could be based on a salary base of 4,800 Baht, reflecting the insured person’s entry into the system in 2013. As a result, the pension was calculated based on only 60 months of contributions at that salary base, which the claimant considered unfair, prompting the legal action reported in the media. Most recently, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, revealed that, following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the SSO has approved payment to Ms. Nattha Attawech, the plaintiff, amounting to 304,707.56 Baht, paid in December 2024. Thereafter, a monthly pension of 3,651.18 Baht has been paid continuously. The SSO’s Secretary-General stated that this case serves as an important lesson […]
March 10, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the Cabinet has approved an extension of the deadline for renewing work permits for more than 370,000 migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam until March 31, 2026, from the previous deadline of February 24, 2026. This measure aims to prevent these workers from falling out of the system and becoming undocumented, as well as to avoid disruptions to businesses and the labour market, particularly to the country’s economic momentum. The Labour Minister further explained that the Cabinet resolution also extends the deadline for passport preparation or substitute travel documents, as well as for visa processing, from June 24, 2026, to July 31, 2026. As a result, the affected workers will be granted temporary relief once the relevant notifications from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour come into force. In the meantime, employers and businesses with workers of these three nationalities are advised to follow updates on the Ministry of Labour website at www.mol.go.th and the Department of Employment website at www.doe.go.th, or […]
February 23, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, held a press conference announcing the Outstanding Working Women Awards on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. Joining the event were Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan and Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, Inspector-Generals of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Seksit Sawanyathipat, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives of the Ministry of Labour. During the event, 33 Outstanding Working Women for 2026 were introduced as role models from various fields, including Suvara Tawichasri, Governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (Outstanding Female State Enterprise Executive), Patimoh Sadiyamu, Governor of Pattani Province (Outstanding Female Government Executive), Maleewan Jameena, Outstanding Female Artist, Sompratana Nawong, owner of the “Ejan” page (Outstanding Female Media Professional), Nattakanya Saengpho, Outstanding Female Private Sector Executive, and Naree Samratnakul, Outstanding Female Private Sector Practitioner. The awards aim to honour their achievements and inspire women across the country. The Labour Minister stated that the Ministry of Labour places importance on creating “decent work […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed following a meeting with Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), that the meeting was intended to accelerate SSO management’s efforts to ensure the SSO Core system operates at full efficiency. She emphasised that all parties must urgently resolve issues across all IT systems currently used by the Social Security Office, with the interests of insured persons and the alleviation of their hardship as the highest priority. The Labour Minister stated that she had received a report from the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office confirming that the data of all 24.5 million insured persons has now been successfully transferred from the previous system into the new SSO Core system. External IT specialists and academic experts have also been brought in to help assess the system and resolve outstanding issues by the end of February. Ms. Trinuch added that she has also instructed the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office to expedite the transfer of outstanding unemployment compensation payments to insured persons as quickly as possible to alleviate […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that she has instructed the Social Security Office (SSO) to expedite the continuous disbursement of unemployment benefits to insured persons affected by unemployment. The latest report indicates that unemployment compensation payments totaling more than 618 million baht have already been disbursed to over 200,000 insured persons. She stated that previous delays in payment were due to the upgrading of the processing system. However, following improvements in both the IT system and administrative management, the SSO has been able to accelerate the disbursement process. Social Security Offices in all provinces have mobilized personnel and extended operating hours from 06.00 to 20.30 hrs. to expedite the review and approval of payment orders, with the capacity to process more than 35,000 cases per day. The Ministry affirms its commitment to ensuring that all eligible benefits are disbursed in full at the earliest possible date. The Minister further stated that the SSO Plus application has been enhanced to facilitate services for insured persons. The application enables users to review contribution records and benefits, register employers and employees, verify contribution […]
January 16, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026, the country’s largest job fair of the year, under the theme “every job, for every lifestyle.” The event was honoured by Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Somsak Prommadam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General. Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior executives of the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, delivered the event report at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Halls 5–6, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated that the Ministry of Labour places great importance on driving the national economy by managing the workforce both quantitatively and qualitatively, alongside developing skills in line with labour market and industrial demand. The Ministry also promotes workplace safety, the protection of rights, and fair access to welfare to sustainably enhance workers’ quality of […]
Following the implementation and advancement of policies to enhance benefits under Social Security Section 40, including amendments to the Royal Decree prescribing criteria and contribution rates, types of benefits, as well as criteria and conditions for entitlement to benefits for insured persons (No. 5) B.E. 2568 (2025), to align with present social conditions and the needs of self-employed workers amid changing circumstances since October 2025, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, announced the successful outcome of these efforts. As a result, over 505,000 insured persons under Section 40 are now receiving immediate benefits. At present, Social Security under Section 40 for self-employed workers offers three main options: Option 1 (contribution of 70 Baht/month), covers for illness, disability, and death; Option 2 (contribution of 100 Baht/month), adds old-age benefits (lump-sum gratuity); Option 3 (contribution of 300 Baht/month), adds old-age benefits (pension) and child allowance. Ms. Trinuch stated that, in order to strengthen security and improve the quality of life of insured persons under Section 40 by enhancing benefits without increasing contributions, the Ministry of Labour, through the Social Security Office, has expanded benefits across several areas. These include income compensation for […]
January 13, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, received orchid flowers from a group of students, education professionals, executives, and staff of the Office of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand Secretariat as part of publicity activities for the 70th Teachers’ Day 2026, organised by the Ministry of Education, prior to the Cabinet meeting at Building 1, Government House.
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about concerns over the declining birth rate, which is a challenge faced by many countries worldwide. If no action is taken, Thailand will be among the 23 countries most severely affected by this issue by 2100. A significant decline in population will have a major impact on national economic systems in the future. The Ministry of Labour has pushed forward the Labour Protection Act (No. 9) B.E. 2568 (2025), which came into force on December 7. This represents a significant upgrade and reform of Thailand’s labour law. The amendment increases maternity leave from 98 days to 120 days, and requires employers to pay wages during maternity leave at the normal working-day rate for up to 60 days. In addition, the law allows childcare leave for a sick child, granting an additional 15 days of leave in cases where a child is ill, disabled, or has special needs, with wage compensation at 50%. Spouses are also permitted to take paternity leave to support their wives during childbirth, for the first time under Thai law, granting 15 days of paid leave at full pay. The […]
January 12, 2026, 09.30 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, to preside over the opening ceremony and deliver remarks to Thai workers participating in the Thai Workforce Capacity Development Programme in line with the needs of the Israeli labour market, Fiscal Year 2026, Batch 7. On this occasion, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, to attend the ceremony. The event was held at the Pre-Departure Training Centre for Overseas Employment, on the 11th Floor of the Social Security Office Area 3 Building, Ministry of Labour, Bangkok. For this training session, organised by the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, the objective is to enhance essential skills and prepare Thai workers before their departure to work in the State of Israel. The training focuses on practical skills, including basic Hebrew language, agricultural work, the use of modern agricultural tools and techniques, and daily life and adaptation overseas. The training programme is scheduled for three days, from January 12–14, 2026, with a total of 400 trainees […]
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 […]
January 1, 2026, 08.00 hours – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, led the Ministry of Labour’s senior executives in respectfully presenting a floral arrangement before the royal portraits of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, and signing a book of well-wishes to offer New Year greetings for the 2026 new year. Those attending the ceremony included Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Lt. Cdr. Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, along with senior executives of the Ministry of Labour. The ceremony took place at Sala Sahathai Samakhom, within the Grand Palace. On this occasion, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen graciously bestowed the Royal Calendar for 2026 upon all those who signed the book of well-wishes, as a mark of auspiciousness in celebration of the New Year.
At the Cabinet meeting on December 30, 2025, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the Cabinet approved the draft Ministerial Regulation of the Ministry of Labour on the criteria, procedures, and conditions for reducing Social Security Fund contributions for employers and insured persons in areas severely affected by disasters. The measure reduces Social Security Fund contribution rates for employers and insured persons for a period of 6 months, from December 2025 to May 2026, in 9 disaster-affected provinces in the southern region, namely: Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, Satun, and Surat Thani. The details are as follows: Section 33 insured persons and employers will have a reduced monthly contribution rate from 5% to 3% of the insured person’s wages, while the government contribution remains unchanged at 2.75% of wages per month. Section 39 insured persons will have a reduced monthly contribution from 432 Baht (based on a wage base of 4,800 Baht) to 283 Baht. The Minister of Labour said that this measure, which reduces Social Security Fund contribution rates for 6 months, will help employers and insured persons in the nine disaster-affected provinces […]
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 […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about the policy to expand overseas markets for Thai workers to over 50,000 positions within four months, in line with the Quick Big Win policy to create income and new opportunities for Thai people. It emphasizes the promotion of quality labour markets, up-skilling / re-skilling development, and technology transfer back to Thailand. For Israel, one of the three countries receiving the largest number of Thai workers, the Overseas Thai Workers Administration Division, Department of Employment, has been instructed to prepare a workers’ training plan for Fiscal Year 2026 (October – November 2025). This is part of the project to develop the potential of Thai workers according to labour market needs in Israel. A total of 8 training batches will be organised, with 1,650 workers participating. All of them will gradually travel to Israel between October 31, 2025, and November 23, 2025. The Minister of Labour said that from Fiscal Year 2022 – 2026, as of October 31, 2025, a total of 41,440 Thai workers have been authorised to work in Israel: 32,490 in agriculture, 6,437 in construction, 556 in industry, 1,898 in services, […]
