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 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 […]
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, expressed his condolences for the incident where Jeju Airlines flight 7C 2216, traveling from Bangkok to Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea, had an accident while landing. The plane’s wheels did not deploy, causing the plane to skid along the runway and catch fire. The incident occurred yesterday morning at approximately 09.07 hours local time. On the Ministry of Labour’s part, the Labour Minister received a report from Ms. Sirirat Srichat, Assistant Labour Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The report said that the airline was carrying 181 passengers, 175 of whom were passengers and 6 crew members. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there were 179 fatalities, of which 2 were Thai passengers. The first was Ms. Jongluck Duangmanee, aged 45, from Udon Thani Province, who was insured under Section 39. Her beneficiaries are entitled to receive a retirement benefit of 109,751.28 Baht (excluding interest), a death benefit according to the period of contributions, and the funeral expenses of 50,000 Baht. The Udon Thani Provincial Social Security Office will help beneficiaries ensure they receive […]
On October 28, 2024, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, spoke about the case of an employee in Samut Prakan Province who was hit by a crane and died. Once the Ministry of Labour learned of the news, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, immediately instructed the Permanent Secretary of Labour to assign agencies under the Ministry of Labour to go to the area to aid and ensure that the people receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law as soon as possible. Mr. Boonsong continued that he received a report from the Ministry of Labour’s provincial agencies in Samut Prakan that they had been notified by the occupational safety network of the case of an employee of State Service Co., Ltd. who was hit and killed by a crane. The investigation found that the incident occurred at 15.16 hours on October 26. The incident occurred at a Thai Airways cargo warehouse at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Ms. Mani Tumsut, a cleaning lady who was an employee of State Service Co., Ltd., was cleaning the area inside the warehouse when a crane that was storing goods hit and […]
On October 1, 2024, at 14.00 hours, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, announced the Ministry of Labour’s policy and operational guidelines for the 2025 fiscal year to the media at the press conference room on the fifth floor of the Ministry of Labour. He stated that the Ministry of Labour has responded to the 2025 policy under the leadership of the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, which focuses on the policy of “outstanding social security, a focus on modern skills, Thai people having jobs, creating a culture of safety, a stable Thai economy and workforce.” It aims to drive important missions to improve the quality of life and work of the workforce. Mr. Boonsong continued that following the royal decree appointing him to the position of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour on September 24, 2024, he is committed to driving important missions to improve the quality of life and work of working people nationwide. The Ministry of Labour’s policy for 2025 will be designed to meet current workforce challenges and promote the creation of a stable, efficient, and modern labour system. He stated that he […]
On August 21, 2024, at 10.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, welcomed the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Singapore to Thailand, Ms. Wong Siow Ping Catherine, and her delegation on the occasion of paying a courtesy call and discussing visa guidelines for Singaporean technical trainees to intern in Thailand and skills development to support the future labour market. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s Director-General, Mrs. Sopa Kieatnircha, the Department of Employment’s Director-General, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, along with executives of the Ministry of Labour, attended the occasion at the Labour Minister’s meeting room, 6th floor, Ministry of Labour. Mr. Phiphat thanked the Ambassador of Singapore to Thailand and her delegation for visiting the Ministry of Labour today to discuss the Ministry of Labour’s support to coordinate with the Immigration Bureau to issue visas for Singaporean technical trainees to train in Thailand for 3 to 6 months without having to return to their home country. In this matter, he assigned the Department of Employment to further discuss […]
On September 25, 2024, at 08.00 hours, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, chaired the flag-saluting ceremony, singing the Thai national anthem and displaying the Thai national flag on the occasion of Thai National Flag Day on September 28, 2024. The Ministry of Labour’s senior executives, civil servants, and officials participated in the event at the flagpole in front of the Smart Job Center building at the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Pairoj said that September 28 is the day of the bestowal of the Thai national flag, which is considered the nation’s most significant symbol. Originally, the Thai national flag had many forms until the reign of King Rama VI, who graciously issued a new Flag Act in 1917. He defined the meaning of the colours of the national flag: red represents the nation or the people, white represents religion, and blue represents the monarchy. The tricolor flag, or the Thai national flag, is considered the highest symbol of the nation, a reminder for the younger generation to remember the sacrifice of the blood of our ancestors to preserve the land and unite the hearts of the entire […]
cOn September 18, 2024, at 09.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired tThe Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the ceremony to receive the Royal Decoration in front of the portrait of His Majesty the King, the Sash Class, for 2024. C His Majesty the King has graciously bestowed the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant and the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand for the year 2024 on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s Birthday on July 28, 2024. The Cabinet’s Office of the Secretariat approved all government agencies holding a ceremony to receive the royal decorations in front of His Majesty the King’s portrait to honour him. The Ministry of Labour had a total of 58 recipients of the royal decorations in the Sash Class, divided as follows: 1) The Most Exalted Order of the Knight Grand Cordon of the Crown of Thailand, three persons; 2) The First Class of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, 55 persons.
The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, spoke about the flash floods and forest runoff resulting from mass rainfall in the northern provinces, especially Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Tak provinces. The three provinces are currently experiencing flooding, affecting 22,841 businesses, 280,203 employees, and 17,941 households. He expressed his concern about the people and said that he is closely following the situation. He has instructed agencies under the Ministry of Labour in the flood-affected provinces to work with the agencies in the provinces to provide urgent assistance to the people. On the Ministry of Labour’s part, he has instructed the Permanent Secretary of Labour to assign the provincial labour offices and agencies under the Ministry of Labour in the flooded areas to provide full support to various agencies in each province. The Labour Minister has supported 90,000 bottles of drinking water for the provincial labour offices to distribute to victims in the area. The Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, added that the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is concerned about the situation. Therefore, he has instructed the provincial labour offices and all agencies under the Ministry of Labour to […]
On August 28, 2024, at 13.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the OSH Avenue International Conference 2024 (OAIC 2024) under the concept of “Foresight for Safety; Safety Transformation to The Future.” The Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the Director of the Thailand Institute Of Occupational Safety And Health (Public Organization), Mr. Nantachai Panyasurarit, the Ministry of Labour’s executives, labour ambassadors from three countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, safety organizations from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, and safety networks from the government sector, private sector, state enterprises, as well as attendees and the media welcomed them at True Digital Park Grand Hall, Bangkok. The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that the OAIC is an essential platform for exchanging knowledge and innovations in occupational health and safety. The goal is to create a comprehensive learning center in Thailand to support all levels of stakeholders to be able to put it into practice and enhance the safety of all workers. The Ministry of Labour also focuses on developing in-depth knowledge, effective preventive measures, and connecting international […]
On July 30, 2024, at 09.30 hours, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, chaired the Labour Skill Development Promotion Committee Meeting No. 5/2024. The Department of Skill Development’s Director-General, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, and related agencies attended the meeting at the Pakorn Angsusingh meeting room, 10th floor, Department of Skill Development, and online. The meeting considered the request for certification as a professional organization of the Eastern Personnel Management Association, the request for certification of labour skill standards according to Section 26 of the Labour Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545, the request for approval of the draft announcement of the Labour Skill Development Promotion Committee on the amendment of the wording in the announcement of the Labour Skill Development Promotion Committee, and the request for approval of the income and expenditure estimates of the Labour Skill Development Fund for fiscal years 2025 to 2028 and the work plan for the 2025 fiscal year. +++++++++++++++++++ Division of Public Relations
The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, reported that the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has accelerated the creation of Muay Thai trainer standards to support the government’s world-class Muay Thai soft power policy, to increase the economic value of the country. There are currently over 5,000 Muay Thai training camps nationwide, 4,000 throughout Europe, and 1,700 in the United States and 50 other countries. In the United States, the Muay Thai industry is valued at 1.25 billion USD. In Thailand, it is valued at over 100 billion Baht. Thailand has developed Muay Thai until it became widely known. It has been able to successfully push Muay Thai to be included in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson said that the Labour Minister wants to upgrade the Ministry of Labour to a ministry that plays an economic role. The Department of Skills Development has been assigned to create standards for Muay Thai teachers to be accepted both domestically and abroad. At the beginning of 2024, the National Skill Standards were announced […]
On July 15, 2024, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, assigned the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak to preside over the opening ceremony of the project in honour of His Majesty the King, whereby labour volunteers in Bangkok joined the volunteer project to develop their hometown. The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Ms. Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, and the Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, joined the occasion. The Director of the Office of Inspection and Evaluation Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Ashwin Pujachakan, reported on the objectives of the event. Bangkok labour volunteers, civil servants, and Ministry of Labour’s officials joined in giving a welcome at the meeting room on the 2nd floor, Local Museum of Bangkok, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. Mr. Decha said that he was delighted and honoured to chair the opening ceremony of the project in honour of His Majesty the King, with Bangkok labour volunteers joining in volunteering to develop their hometown. Today, we hosted a mangrove planting activity and the collection of […]
On July 11, 2024, at 09.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, presided over the Ministry of Labour’s volunteer activities to serve the public interest in honour of His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 72nd birthday on July 28, 2024. The Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat’s Office, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, and Mr. Phuchong Worasri, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the Ministry of Labour’s executives, Governor of Pathum Thani Province, Mr. Phasakon Bunyalak, heads government agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Pathum Thani Province and nearby provinces, heads of government agencies in Pathum Thani Province, business establishments, the private sector, community leaders, fellow citizens and volunteers in the area participated in the activities at Thepsoranthammaram Temple, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province. The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that on the occasion of the auspicious ceremony to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, 2024, activities were organized to show loyalty and gratefulness […]
