April 24, 2026, at 09.30 hours – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Phiphatchai Paiboon, a member of the Labour Minister’s team, together with Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, to receive a petition from Mr. Sawit Kaewwan, President of the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC). Mr. Sawit led approximately 100 members of the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) in submitting a letter to the Minister of Labour expressing opposition to proposed measures to reduce social security contributions, policies relating to minimum wage increases, unstable employment termination, and the proposed CARE pension formula. The submission took place at the ground-floor hall of the Ministry of Labour building. Mr. Phiphatchai stated after receiving the petition that the Ministry of Labour is ready and willing to listen to concerns from all parties and is prepared to expedite consideration of all issues raised by the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation. Regarding the reduction of social security contributions amid the current economic conditions, the measure is intended to ease the financial […]
April 20, 2026 at 09.30 hours – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, attended a seminar to receive policy directions and guidelines for the preparation of the Fiscal Year 2027 expenditure budget. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Also attending were Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development, Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Mr. Nuntachai Panyasurarit, Director of the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment (TOSH), along with executives from agencies under the Ministry of Labour, heads of government agencies, state enterprises, and public organisations. The meeting was held at the Royal Jubilee Ballroom, Challenger Building, Level 1, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani. During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided policy directions and guidance to government agencies and state enterprises on preparing the FY2027 expenditure budget. Emphasis […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
