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 […]
September 23, 2025, at 06.30 hours – Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, presided over the homage-paying ceremony to the sacred symbols of the Ministry of Labour, including Phra Phuttha Sutthithammabophit, Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, the Chai Mongkhon Guardian Spirit Shrine, and the Brahma Deity Shrine. The ceremony was held on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the founding of the Ministry of Labour. Attending the ceremony were Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, Ms. Jirapa Boonrat, Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, together with senior executives, civil servants, and officials of the Ministry of Labour. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Labour premises. Following this, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour presided over the Buddhist chanting ceremony, offering breakfast to ten monks to make merit for former executives, civil servants, and officials of the […]
September 15, 2025, at 08.30 hours – Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, presided over the opening of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Policy Dialogue on “Resilient Supply Chains and Inclusive Growth in a Changing World of Work”. He was joined by Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the International Labour Organization, and Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, at the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that this meeting provides an important platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in promoting decent work throughout supply chains across the Asia–Pacific region, which plays a vital role in the global economy. Thailand’s key industries, including electronics, automotive, agriculture, and food, are all deeply integrated into global supply chains, generating employment for millions of workers Mr. Samat further noted that over the past three years, the Ministry of Labour has taken concrete steps to raise labour standards in line with international benchmarks. These include ratifying ILO Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultation and Convention No. 155 on Occupational Health and Safety, improving […]
September 11, 2025, at 13.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, together with Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr Sutthikiat Weerakitpanich, and the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson (politics affairs), paid respects to the sacred sites of the Ministry of Labour. These included Phra Phutthasuthithammabophit, Phra Phutthachinnarat, the Chai Mongkol Shrine, the Thao Maha Phrom Thewarit Shrine, and the Chinnapromma Shrine, on the occasion of his departure from office. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, together with senior executives, civil servants, and staff from all affiliated agencies of the Ministry of Labour, presented flowers to express their gratitude and encouragement. The farewell ceremony took place at the main hall of the Ministry of Labour. On this occasion, the Minister of Labour expressed his appreciation to all staff members for their dedication and teamwork in advancing the Ministry of Labour’s missions in line with his policies. He said that during the 2 months and 7 days that he served in the role, although the period was short, they were able to drive forward policies, restructure the Ministry of Labour to be more modern and responsive to […]
September 10, 2025, at 13.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, assigned Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to serve as co-chair at the launch of the “Gifted Listeners” project. The ceremony was also co-chaired by Mr. Chokchai Wichianchaiya, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, who gave an opening speech. The event was held at Eden Zone, 1st Floor, CentralWorld. Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, said that he has always believed that employing persons with disabilities is not merely a legal obligation, but a means of restoring dignity and opportunity for all Thais to stand equally in society. This is at the heart of the Ministry of Labour’s policy: to promote employment that is inclusive, accessible, and fair. Mr. Samat continued that in the past, the Ministry of Labour has consistently supported the employment of persons with disabilities through various measures, such as promoting employment under Sections 33 and 35 of the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act B.E. 2550, providing vocational training suited to individual potential, and fostering cooperation […]
September 4, 2025, 13.30 hours, Nonthaburi – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, assigned Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, to preside over the opening of the project “United S-Generation” under the theme “Safety Network: For the Future of Thailand’s Safety.” The initiative aims to enhance collaboration on labour safety networks and to drive forward Thailand’s Safety Thailand agenda. The event was attended by Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sontisakyothin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior executives of the Ministry of Labour at Hall 8, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province. Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, emphasised that promoting occupational health, safety, and working environments is a key policy directly linked to workers’ quality of life. The Ministry of Labour has continuously advanced the Safety Thailand programme through strict law enforcement, knowledge development, and strengthening of network mechanisms with the goal of reducing serious occupational accidents. He further noted that as Thailand transitions into a digital and AI-driven society, the economy is becoming increasingly competitive, leading to significant changes in work patterns and the […]
September 4, 2025, 09.30 hours, Chumphon – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, assigned Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, to visit the Wannakhet Community Enterprise to meet with freelance workers producing and selling coffee beans. The visit aimed to raise awareness about migrant workers while also listening to the group’s history, operational outcomes, and challenges. He was joined by Lt. Cdr. Vittavat Koodprasert, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Khattiya Paendetch, Inspector-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Sombat Phothiwat, Inspector-General of the Department of Skills Development, and Ms. Nomita Wyant, Inspector-General of the Social Security Office, at Moo 10, Hat Phankrai Sub-district, Mueang Chumphon District, Chumphon Province. The Wannakhet Community Enterprise was established by members of the Chumphon Organic Agriculture Group, under the Chumphon Sustainable Agriculture Federation. The group practises sustainable organic farming, processing their produce for joint sale. They began with coffee as their primary product and later expanded into herbal teas, essential oils, and herbal extracts, leading to the formal formation of the “Wannakhet Community Enterprise.” The Ministry of Labour has supported this freelance group […]
September 1, 2025, at 08.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, presented certificates of honour and cash prizes to young competitors, along with plaques of appreciation to supporters of the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition, held in the Republic of the Philippines. Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Mr Sutthikiat Weerakitpanich, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson (on politics), Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary of Labour, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, Mr. Sakdanat Sontisakdyothin, Assistant Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour also joined the ceremony which took place at the Ballroom Wing, Bangkok Palace Hotel, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Labour Minister, said, “I would like to extend my congratulations to all medal recipients and commend the 34 young competitors, along with the 29 experts, who have given their utmost effort. This achievement highlights the talent and capability of Thai youth, whose […]
August 25, 2025, at 13.30 hours – Mr. Jakkrapong Sumetchotimetha, Advisor to the Minister of Labour, chaired the meeting of the Working Group on Enhancing the Potential of Thai Workers and Expanding Overseas Labour Markets. Participants included Lt. Cdr. Vittavat Koodprasert, Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, senior executives from the Ministry of Labour, and representatives of relevant agencies. The meeting took place at Prasong Rananant Conference Room, 5th Floor, Ministry of Labour. The meeting considered strategies for expanding overseas labour markets, focusing on measures to increase opportunities for Thai workers abroad and to align workforce development with the demands of international labour markets. For fiscal year 2025, the Ministry of Labour has set a target of sending 100,000 Thai workers overseas, which is expected to be achieved by the end of the fiscal year. For fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set a more ambitious target of 200,000 placements abroad. The Chair also informed the meeting of the Minister of Labour’s five key policy priorities, highlighting in particular the commitment to “create economic opportunities by raising the income of Thai […]
