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 […]
On 31 January 2026 (2569), local time in Dubai, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Khotraks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, together with Ms. Sadudee Kittisuwan, Director of the International Cooperation Bureau; Ms. Alisa Supap, Minister Counsellor (Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and delegation, held bilateral discussions with Mr. Hamad Faraj Hamad Dalmouk, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs, Ministry of Labour of the State of Qatar, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During the meeting, both sides discussed labour cooperation of mutual interest under the framework of a “Joint Committee,” which serves as an important mechanism for cooperation between the two countries. The Qatari side outlined its key strategy under Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes national development and entails significant demand for foreign workers across various sectors, particularly in care services, information technology, and communications, all of which require skilled labour. In this regard, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour requested cooperation in considering appropriate wage levels for such skilled workers. The Qatari […]
January 27, 2026 – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Thais Must Have Jobs @ Korat” event for 2026. Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, assigned Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, the Department of Employment’s Deputy Director-General, to deliver the event report. Mr. Banlang Witsiri, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, delivered welcoming remarks. The event was honoured by executives of the Ministry of Labour, heads of provincial offices under the Ministry of Labour in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Director of Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Centre, executives of educational institutions, teachers, lecturers, and employers. The event was held at Terminal Hall, 4th Floor, Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Centre, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Mr. Santi stated that the Ministry of Labour places great importance on promoting employment and continuously creating job opportunities. In fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set five key policy areas to ensure Thai workers have jobs, income, and life security. These focus on driving employment policies alongside workforce […]
Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, disclosed that Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, expressed her deepest condolences over the crane accident that collapsed onto a train on the Krung Thep Aphiwat–Ubon Ratchathani route. She has therefore instructed the Social Security Office to verify insured persons who were killed or injured, in order to provide assistance and compensation benefits as quickly as possible. This also includes relief for insured persons affected by the bomb attacks in the three southern border provinces. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, spoke about the assistance and compensation provided to insured persons who were killed or injured in the crane collapse on a train in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. On behalf of the Ministry of Labour, he stated that he had instructed the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Social Security Office to conduct on-site inspections and verify information on the insured persons who were killed or injured. A total of 208 passengers were travelling on the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station to Ubon Ratchathani. Of these, 66 passengers were injured, including 12 insured persons. There were 32 fatalities, of […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed that she has instructed the Social Security Office to verify the names of those injured in the crane accident involving the Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani railway line, in order to urgently and immediately ensure that insured persons receive the benefits to which they are entitled. An initial report received from the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Social Security Office stated that, following a preliminary check, 6 injured insured persons are residents of Ubon Ratchathani Province, as follows: Ms. Boonthita Na Ubon, insured person under Section 40 Mr. Sittichai Yaosri, former insured person (resigned on August 8, 2022) Ms. Phutthawadee Phraphuban, insured person under Section 40 Ms. Yanathip Boonchit, insured person under Section 33 Mr. Witthaya Sangthong, insured person under Section 33 Ms. Chanya Saengsiri, former insured person under Section 33 (resigned on December 21, 2023) The Minister of Labour stated that she has instructed the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Social Security Office to coordinate with all insured persons to inform them of the benefits they will receive. At the preliminary stage, the benefits applicable to each injured person from the crane accident have already been identified, categorised by […]
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, 14.30 hours – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, welcomed Ms. Dena Brownlow, Political Counsellor of the Embassy of the United States of America in Thailand, and her delegation, on the occasion of a courtesy visit and official discussions on the labour situation in Thailand. Also attending were Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Wichit Intaracharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Employment, along with executives of the Ministry of Labour and relevant agencies. The meeting was held 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, on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, he was delighted to welcome Ms. Dena Brownlow, Political Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, and her delegation on this visit. Thailand and the United States have long enjoyed close and friendly relations. The Ministry of Labour, as the principal agency responsible for workforce development, employment promotion, social security provision, labour protection, and the prevention and resolution of issues relating to victims of labour trafficking and […]
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 […]
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 […]
December 21, 2025,10.30 hours local time in the Republic of Korea – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, 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, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchat Supharee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Ms. Sirirat Srichat, Labour Attaché, and the delegation visited a company under the KT&F Group in Gyeonggi Province. They held discussions with Mr. Namin Choi, Chairman of KT&F, and Ms. Prapai Soi, an executive of KT&F and its affiliated companies. KT&F and its affiliated companies operate businesses that produce ready-to-eat Thai food products, such as Isan and Chinese sausages, meatballs, and Thai desserts, including khanom chan, as well as import Thai products for retail and wholesale distribution in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the group operates agricultural businesses that cultivate crops and vegetables using innovative farming systems. The discussions focused on the employment of Thai workers and opportunities to further expand the Thai labour market in the Republic of Korea. […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that an earthquake with an epicentre off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture occurred yesterday (December 8, 2025) at approximately 23.15 hours local time in Japan (two hours ahead of Thailand), registering a magnitude of 7.2. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning of up to 3 metres along the coasts of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido, and waves of approximately 1 metre along the coasts of Miyagi and Fukushima. Residents in these areas were advised not to approach coastal areas or river mouths until the warning was lifted. On December 9, 2025, at 02.30 hours, Japanese authorities ordered the evacuation of 114,092 people from the affected areas. Upon learning of the incident, the Labour Minister said she became deeply concerned about Thai workers in Japan and therefore instructed the Labour Attaché (Labour Affairs) and the Office of Labour Affairs in Japan to closely monitor the situation and continuously issue alerts to Thai workers through various communication channels, to ensure their maximum safety. Preliminary reports from Ms. Paravee Nakpipat, Labour Attaché (Labour Affairs) at the Office of Labour Affairs in Japan, indicate that […]
November 30, 2025, 17.00 hours – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, joined a meeting with business operators, the Provincial Chamber of Commerce, and the business sector of Songkhla Province to monitor the impact of flooding in the area. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and attended by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Professor Emeritus Borwornsak Uwanno, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Parador Prisananantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, Mr. Sakda Wichiansilp, Deputy Minister of the Interior, along with government agencies and private-sector representatives in the area. The meeting was held at Burisri Phu Hotel, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The purpose of the meeting was to hear directly from the private sector regarding the impacts of the disaster, in order to determine recovery measures through integrated cooperation among all sectors, including military, police, civil service, and administrative authorities, so that affected citizens receive assistance as quickly as possible and Hat Yai can be restored to […]
October 30, 2025, 09.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, led executives and officials of the Ministry of Labour in a solemn ceremony to pay tribute and express profound remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, in recognition of Her Majesty’s boundless grace, devotion, and lifelong dedication to the wellbeing and happiness of the Thai people. The ceremony took place in the courtyard in front of the Phra Phutthasuddhithammabophit Pavilion, located at the Ministry of Labour Building. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated that to express the Ministry’s highest respect and mourning, all central and provincial Ministry of Labour offices have been instructed to lower the national flag to half-mast for 30 days, from October 25 to November 23, 2025. In addition, all personnel are encouraged to wear mourning attire for one year, from October 25, 2025, to October 24, 2026, as a gesture of unity and respect. The Labour Minister, together with senior executives, officials, and staff of the Ministry of Labour, also paid homage before the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, recited a royal eulogy, and observed 93 seconds of silence […]
October 15, 2025 at 13.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with M.L. Kraksiwat Kasemsri, Chief Advisor to the Minister (Foreign Affairs), Ms. Bunnada Supiyaphan, Political Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour, and Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, visited the foreign workers’ work permit production centre and presented work permits to foreign business professionals working in Thailand. The event took place at the IT Square building, Laksi District, Bangkok. Ms. Trinuch, Minister of Labour, stated that she attaches great importance to addressing labour shortages in the business sector to ensure the continuity of business operations. The management of migrant workers remains one of her key policy priorities, particularly through the development of modern, convenient, rapid, transparent, and verifiable administrative processes. Today’s visit marked the presentation of work permits to foreign professionals who applied via the e-WorkPermit system, under the “Outsourcing Service Project for the Production of Work Permits and the Provision of Application and Notification Services for Migrant Workers”. The system officially launched nationwide on October 13, 2025, through the website eworkpermit.doe.go.th. Since the launch, a total of 18,563 users have registered in […]
October 2, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, delivered key policy directives to executives and officials of the Ministry of Labour, setting clear goals to address urgent and critical workforce challenges. These include tackling labour shortages, accelerating upskilling and reskilling for Thai workers, and enhancing workers’ welfare. The Labour Minister stressed that all initiatives must be implemented with transparency and accountability, with the overarching aim of improving the quality of life for all groups of workers. Present at the meeting were Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior executives of the Ministry of Labour. The occasion took place at the Ministry of Labour building in Bangkok. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong stated that one of the Ministry of Labour’s most pressing issues is the labour shortage in key industries, caused by the situation along the Thai–Cambodian border. To address this, the Ministry of Labour will expedite new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for recruiting additional migrant workers from other countries, such as Sri Lanka, and will also allow displaced persons from the conflict in Myanmar to work temporarily in Thailand […]
August 22, 2025, 09.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over a ceremony to deliver remarks of encouragement and support to the Thai youth delegation competing in the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition, prior to their departure on August 23, 2025, to the Philippines. Attending the event were Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour. The event was held at the Chatumongkol Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building. The ASEAN Skills Competition is an agreement among ASEAN Member States, whereby each country hosts the event in rotation every two years. The aim is to develop human resources and strengthen cooperation in vocational skills, ensuring competitiveness in the face of advancing technologies and alignment with international standards. The competition provides young people with the opportunity to advance as skilled professionals in the labour market, thereby enhancing the nation’s productivity and service capacity in the future. This year marks the 14th ASEAN Skills […]
