April 9, 2026 – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, expressed his deep condolences regarding the deaths of three crew members of the Mayuree Naree, who were killed in an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Labour extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. This incident represents a profoundly distressing loss and has deeply affected the Thai public nationwide. Regarding assistance and legal entitlements for the dependents, the Labour Minister stated that he has instructed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to continue coordinating with the employer of the three crew members. Compensation will be provided in accordance with the Maritime Labour Act B.E. 2558 in cases where a seafarer dies or goes missing as a result of work. Shipowners are required to ensure social security coverage and compensation as follows: Benefits from the shipowner in case of work-related death: – Funeral expenses: THB 50,000, payable to the funeral organiser. – Monthly compensation: Payable to dependents for a period of 10 years, in accordance with legal conditions, not exceeding THB 14,000 per month, with a […]
April 1, 2026, at 14.00 hours – Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously granted an audience to Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, who led executives of the Ministry of Labour and members of the Ministry of Labour Housewives Association to present proceeds from the Ministry’s 2025 Thai Red Cross charity lucky draw sales. The funds were presented in support of the Thai Red Cross Society at Sa Pathum Palace, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok.
On April 1, 2026, at 10.30 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, former Minister of Labour, visited the Ministry to pay respects to sacred objects of the Ministry of Labour, including Phra Buddha Suttithammaphobhit, Phra Buddha Chinarat, Chai Mongkhon Shrine, Thao Maha Phrom Thewarit Shrine, and Chao Pho Chin Phromma Shrine, on the occasion of her departure from office. She was joined by Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, senior executives, civil servants, and officials from all departments under the Ministry of Labour, who presented flowers to express appreciation and encouragement. Ms. Trinuch expressed her gratitude to executives, civil servants, and officials across all sectors for jointly advancing the Ministry’s mission in line with its policies. Many initiatives successfully achieved their targets despite budget and time constraints. During her tenure, she focused on improving the quality of life of Thai workers in all areas, including […]
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 […]
March 10, 2026, 13.30 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to represent the Ministry of Labour in welcoming and facilitating Thai workers affected by unrest in the Middle East. A total of 10 workers returned from Bahrain and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan Province. This marks the second group of returnees from Bahrain, following the first group of 1 worker who returned on March 6, bringing the total to 11 workers to date. Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that currently 11 Thai workers have returned from Bahrain, and a further 9 workers are expected to arrive on March 11, 2026, also from Bahrain. In addition, Thai workers in Iran are awaiting flights home, with nearly 1,000 having expressed their intention to return to Thailand. The Ministry of Labour will continue to provide advance notice of flight arrangements. “As soon as workers arrive in Thailand, the Ministry of Labour will ensure that they receive their entitled benefits and provide guidance on submitting claims […]
March 9, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, spoke following a meeting with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers’ Association. The private sector had called for urgent solutions to the shortage of foreign workers, particularly Cambodian workers in the industrial, construction, and agricultural sectors, to prevent impacts on the country’s competitiveness. Ms. Trinuch stated that she had listened to the concerns and fully understood the potential impacts raised by the private sector. The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed five key measures as follows: The meeting served as a platform for the private sector to share concerns, challenges, and recommendations. The principle for managing Cambodian workers in Thailand is that no new Cambodian workers will be admitted into the country; only those who already hold valid work permits will be managed. All Cambodian workers in Thailand must be properly registered and have a clearly identified employer responsible for them. All measures must not affect national security, and must be coordinated closely […]
Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony and presented awards for the Outstanding Working Women on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026 at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok. Also in attendance were Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, executives of the Ministry of Labour, and representatives from government agencies, the private sector, labour organisations, employers, employees, and relevant networks, with over 400 participants attending the event. Ms. Trinuch stated that the role of Thai women today is widely recognised, with women playing important roles across all sectors, including as leaders, executives, and practitioners in the public, state, and private sectors. According to a UN Women report, Thailand has a high proportion of female executives, with women holding 24% of CEO/Managing Director positions, while Thai women rank first in the world for representation as Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) at approximately 43%. Overall, women account for 32% of senior leadership positions, reflecting their […]
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 27, 2026, 10.00 hours – Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, attended as a guest of honour at the ceremony to present basic vocational training toolkits or livelihood toolkits. The ceremony was presided over by Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, who presented the basic training toolkits. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, delivered the report, with executives of the Ministry of Labour also present as guests of honour. The event took place at the Meeting Room, 6th Floor, DSD Building, Department of Skill Development. A total of 74 trainees from five training cohorts received livelihood toolkits following completion of their training programmes in Professional Bakery Production and Street Food Preparation. The toolkits provided included electric ovens, food mixers, high-pressure gas stove sets with accessories, gas grill sets with accessories, and electric air fryers. The recipients will utilise these tools to pursue their livelihoods and start their own businesses. ————————————– Division of Public Relations
February 24, 2026, 19.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the Buddhist chanting ceremony of the royal funeral rites for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on the occasion that the Ministry of Labour was granted royal permission to serve as host of the ceremony. Also in attendance were Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, the Ministry of Labour’s senior executives and officials, who participated in the ceremony with loyalty and deep remembrance of Her Majesty’s immeasurable royal grace, held at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. +++++++++++++++++++ Division of Public Relations
February 23, 2026, 18.30 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to represent the Ministry of Labour, together with Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, the Department of Employment’s Deputy Director-General, to present flowers and extend congratulations at the reception celebrating the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. H.E. Mrs Edirisinghe Arachchilage Sriyani Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, received the flowers and welcomed the delegation. The event was held at the Regency Hall, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. Participation in this event reaffirmed the strong and longstanding friendship between Thailand and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, while also promoting continued cooperation in various areas, including labour cooperation, in the future.
February 20, 2026, 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, chaired the Management of Foreign Workers Policy Committee Meeting 2/2026. Attending the meeting were Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, executives of the Ministry of Labour, and representatives from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health, Internal Security Operations Command, National Security Council, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was held at the Thian Atchakul Meeting Room, on the 10th Floor of the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Building. Following the meeting, Ms. Trinuch stated that the committee had approved the extension of the deadline for resolving issues related to work permit applications, in accordance with the Cabinet resolution of November 11, 2025, particularly regarding the submission of health insurance documents, medical examinations, and payment of the 900-Baht work permit fee. The original deadline of February 24, 2026, for workers of Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnamese nationalities has now been extended to March 31, 2026, to prevent these workers from […]
February 19, 2026 – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, welcomed Mr. Pongprat Makjaeng, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Thailand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, together with Mr. Songchai Chaipatthiyut, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Thailand to the State of Kuwait, and their delegation. The visit was made to pay a courtesy call and hold discussions on labour-related matters, including cooperation to promote Thai workers in the Middle Eastern labour market. Also present at the meeting were Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, the Department of Employment’s Deputy Director-General, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and the Director of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour. The meeting took place in the Permanent Secretary’s Reception Room, on the 7th Floor of the Ministry of Labour Building. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that the Ministry of Labour places great importance on promoting overseas employment opportunities for Thai nationals to demonstrate the capability and potential of Thai workers on […]
February 18, 2026, 10.00 hours – Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Thailand, together with her delegation, paid a courtesy call on Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, to discuss avenues for cooperation to advance labour relations between Thailand and the European Union. Also present were Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Surasit Srikaew, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and relevant officials. The meeting took place at the Chatumongkol Meeting Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building, where the delegation was welcomed. Following the meeting, Ms. Trinuch stated that although the government is currently in a caretaker period, the Ministry of Labour continues to carry out its duties fully and consistently, prioritising key labour policies and urgent issues in five main areas: 1. Addressing labour shortages by accelerating labour MOUs with foreign countries to fill gaps, as well as registering migrant workers in accordance with Cabinet resolutions. 2. […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed that she has instructed the Social Security Office to accelerate the payment of unemployment compensation to insured persons, with all provincial offices mobilising staff and extending working hours from 06.00–20.30 to fast-track the consideration and approval of payment orders. According to operational figures from January 5, 2026, to February 12, 2026, the Social Security Office has paid unemployment benefits to 337,594 claimants, totaling over 940.17 million Baht transferred to insured persons’ bank accounts. In addition, the Social Security Office has been instructed to urgently resolve issues across all IT systems in order to facilitate services and alleviate hardship for insured persons as quickly as possible. Most recently, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office reported that unemployment benefit disbursements can now be expedited for more than 35,000 claimants per day. “To safeguard their rights, insured persons may continue to register through the Department of Employment’s website (e-Service) as usual. They can also check the status of unemployment benefit approval via the Department of Employment’s unemployment registration system, the SSO Plus application, as well as through […]
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
