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 […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, announced following her chairing of a meeting of the Centre for Assistance, Coordination and Monitoring of the Unrest Situation in the Middle East, held together with labour attachés from three missions in the region, that the Ministry of Labour has prepared to support evacuation operations for Thai workers returning to Thailand in accordance with government policy and under the direction of the Prime Minister. The situation has been categorised into four levels of severity: stable, severe, prolonged, and resolved. She has assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, as Director of the Centre, with full authority to command and coordinate all relevant sectors. At present, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities among Thai workers. Regarding assistance for Thai workers in host countries, Ms. Trinuch stated that labour attachés in Israel have been tasked with facilitating and coordinating assistance, particularly with Israeli authorities and employers, to relocate Thai workers from high-risk areas (such as border areas near Lebanon) to safer locations. For Iran, although Thailand does not have a dedicated labour office, the Labour Office at the Royal Thai […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, addressed the situation of rising tensions in the Middle East, stating that she has instructed Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, is to establish a war room to monitor the situation and coordinate assistance for Thai workers in the region. The war room, located on the 5th floor of the Ministry of Labour, will operate 24 hours a day and be ready to provide support should the situation escalate to the point of evacuation. The Minister of Labour stated that evacuation is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and if directed by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Labour stands ready to support the mission. All actions will depend on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ assessment of the level of risk and whether evacuation is necessary. At present, labour offices have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and be prepared to assist and relocate Thai workers to safe areas if they are affected. Regarding the deployment of Thai workers overseas, Ms. Trinuch stated that initial discussions have been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on temporarily suspending […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, has expressed concern for Thai workers in Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with indications that the conflict may intensify and expand, potentially affecting their safety and welfare. Ms. Trinuch stated that she has instructed the Labour Offices at the Royal Thai Embassies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Tel Aviv, Israel, to monitor the situation and prepare to assist Thai workers closely should it escalate and affect them. “At present, the labour offices have coordinated with Thai workers to increase caution in their travel and remain in constant contact with Thai worker groups. If the situation escalates to the point where evacuation becomes necessary, it can be carried out immediately,” Ms. Trinuch said, adding that Thai workers have also been advised to closely follow updates from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, the Labour Office in Abu Dhabi, and relevant Iranian authorities. Thai workers in Iran who require assistance may contact the Labour Office at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi via telephone at (+971) 2557 6833, or the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran at (+98) 912 500 7933 […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the kidney disease situation in Thailand in 2025 has become increasingly serious, with over 1.12 million people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). There have been 800,000 new cases recorded. At present, approximately 17.6 per cent of the Thai population suffers from chronic kidney disease, most of whom are patients with diabetes and hypertension. For insured persons under the Social Security system, the Minister has issued a policy directing the Social Security Office to ensure that insured persons suffering from kidney disease receive treatment in accordance with international standards and that their treatment rights are no less than other healthcare entitlements. The benefits must also cover four main forms of kidney replacement therapy, namely: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), Haemodialysis (HD), kidney transplantation, and palliative care. The Labour Minister stated that kidney disease treatment benefits under Sections 33 and 39 cover insured persons, allowing them to access treatment at all stages free of charge. For haemodialysis treatment, benefits are provided at up to 1,500 Baht per session, not exceeding 4,500 Baht per week 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 […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, expressed concern about delicate particulate matter (PM2.5), noting that levels exceed safety standards in many areas. This has a direct impact on workers’ health, particularly outdoor workers, informal workers, and rider groups who must spend long hours on the roads. The Labour Minister stated that elevated PM2.5 levels increase workers’ risk of respiratory, eye, and skin diseases. She has therefore instructed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to issue an announcement requesting cooperation from employers and establishments to implement protective measures. These include providing appropriate protective equipment, such as masks capable of filtering PM2.5 (e.g., N95 masks), for employees who must work outdoors, adjusting work plans by considering changes to working hours or reducing the duration of outdoor work during periods when dust levels reach critical (red) levels, and regularly monitoring employees’ health. Particular concern was expressed for construction workers, who are considered the most at-risk group, as they face dual exposure to dust from both air pollution and work-related sources, such as drilling or cutting concrete and ceramics. Such dust can accumulate in the respiratory system and the alveoli of the lungs. […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, addressed reports that 12 million Baht from the Social Security Office’s administrative budget was used to renovate the cafeteria at Social Security Office Area 3, located within the Ministry of Labour compound. She stated that the matter dates back to 2018 and had already gone through the approval process for both the budget and construction. Nevertheless, she has requested the Social Security Office to compile and submit a complete summary of the facts directly to the Minister within 24 hours. The Labour Minister said that what concerns her even more is the potential impact on the confidence of over 24.5 million insured persons who are questioning the Social Security Office. Every Baht and Satang in the Social Security Fund comes from monthly wage deductions from workers, set aside to provide life security for insured persons, covering them from birth, illness, death, disability, unemployment, child welfare, through to old-age pensions that serve as security in later life. These funds belong to the insured persons, not to the Social Security Office. Any use of the funds must therefore be correct, transparent, and fully auditable. […]
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 […]
