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 […]
February 20, 2026, 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, chaired the Management of Foreign Workers Policy Committee Meeting 2/2026. Attending the meeting were Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, executives of the Ministry of Labour, and representatives from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health, Internal Security Operations Command, National Security Council, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was held at the Thian Atchakul Meeting Room, on the 10th Floor of the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Building. Following the meeting, Ms. Trinuch stated that the committee had approved the extension of the deadline for resolving issues related to work permit applications, in accordance with the Cabinet resolution of November 11, 2025, particularly regarding the submission of health insurance documents, medical examinations, and payment of the 900-Baht work permit fee. The original deadline of February 24, 2026, for workers of Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnamese nationalities has now been extended to March 31, 2026, to prevent these workers from […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed that she has instructed the Social Security Office to accelerate the payment of unemployment compensation to insured persons, with all provincial offices mobilising staff and extending working hours from 06.00–20.30 to fast-track the consideration and approval of payment orders. According to operational figures from January 5, 2026, to February 12, 2026, the Social Security Office has paid unemployment benefits to 337,594 claimants, totaling over 940.17 million Baht transferred to insured persons’ bank accounts. In addition, the Social Security Office has been instructed to urgently resolve issues across all IT systems in order to facilitate services and alleviate hardship for insured persons as quickly as possible. Most recently, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office reported that unemployment benefit disbursements can now be expedited for more than 35,000 claimants per day. “To safeguard their rights, insured persons may continue to register through the Department of Employment’s website (e-Service) as usual. They can also check the status of unemployment benefit approval via the Department of Employment’s unemployment registration system, the SSO Plus application, as well as through […]
December 22, 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, held discussions with Mr. Yang Seungyong, executive of the Korea Automobile Repair & Inspection Federation, to promote employment opportunities for Thai workers in automobile repair workshops in the Republic of Korea and to strengthen relations between Thailand’s Ministry of Labour and Korean agencies involved in employing Thai workers. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, said that this visit followed information that the Republic of Korea is facing labour shortages in automobile repair workshops, particularly in vehicle paint and auto body repair technicians, and that employers wish to hire Thai workers due to their capabilities and skills. This represents a valuable opportunity to open a new labour market sector for Thai workers in […]
November 25, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, released an overview of the flooding situation in the southern region based on reports from agencies under the Ministry of Labour. According to these reports, 12 provinces, 105 districts, 632 sub-districts, 4,523 villages, and 740,405 households have been affected, with 1,966,843 people suffering hardships. Flooding remains ongoing in 10 provinces: Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. There have been 17 deaths, including one insured person under Section 40, 2 uninsured individuals, and the remaining cases are under verification. A total of 22,988 establishments and 309,368 employees have been affected, of which 10,797 establishments and 205,783 employees are covered by the Social Security system. Ms. Trinuch added that initial relief measures have already been deployed. She has ordered all agencies under the Ministry of Labour, referred to as the “Five Tigers of Labour”, to mobilise forces and assist the provinces, including evacuation efforts and transporting affected people to shelters. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Skill Development, has instructed all Skill Development Institutes and Offices in affected provinces to set […]
May 31, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, shared a media briefing following his response to questions during the House of Representatives budget deliberation on the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget Bill, affirming that he addressed all concerns raised by the opposition with clarity and precision. Mr. Phiphat stated that the increased 2026 Fiscal Year budget allocation for the Ministry of Labour will support key programs under the Department of Skill Development, including procurement of computer and AI systems. These investments are crucial for developing updated training curricula in IT and AI, replacing outdated equipment to align with evolving labour market demands. He added that traditional skill development models no longer match industry needs. In response, the Ministry is enhancing workforce capabilities through collaboration between the Department of Skill Development, educational institutions, and private enterprises by upskilling and reskilling with modern skills. Notable partnerships include training programs with Microsoft for AI-related skills, as well as modules in semiconductors, electrical and electronic technologies, and digital competencies. The Ministry is also working with vocational and higher education institutions to prepare students entering the workforce, implementing credit transfer systems via the Credit […]
On March 20, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, co-chaired the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion of Employment for Conscripts between the Department of Employment, the Department of Skill Development, the Ministry of Defense, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Trade of Thailand. Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Labour, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, General Sanitchanok Sangchan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Nattawut Phattharayoon, Roi Et Provincial Employment Officer and Acting Academic Labour Advisor, Ms. Kornjirat Phongchanthorn, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, executives from the Ministry of Labour, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of […]
The TAT Governor, Cherry Khemupsorn, and Mint Archporn won awards along with 30 outstanding working women, honouring the role of women in driving the economy, workforce, and society. The Ministry of Labour pushes for 120-day maternity leave rights and the opening of a female worker advisory center. On February 21, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, gave a press conference, presenting the award for “Outstanding Working Women on International Women’s Day 2025.” Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Department of Employment’s Director-General, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, joined the occasion. The event was organized by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, which selected 30 outstanding working women of the year. The women included role models from various fields, selected as inspiration for women workers nationwide. The awards honoured exceptional women in […]
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 […]
On December 5, 2024, Labour Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn visited flood-affected areas in Phatthalung Province to deliver relief kits to informal workers, self-employed individuals, and residents impacted by the disaster. The visit was joined by Mr. Kongsakul Chantrach, Deputy Governor of Phatthalung Province, acting as Governor; Mr. Phairoj Chotikasathien, Chairperson of the Minister’s Advisory Committee; Mr. Phuchong Warasri from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat Office; Mr. Phumipat Muenchan, Labour Ministry Spokesperson; and other senior officials, including department directors and provincial Labour Ministry representatives. The distribution occurred at four locations: Village Hall, Village No. 11, Lam Pam Subdistrict; Multipurpose Hall, Ban Khlong Khut, Village No.8, Han Pho Subdistrict, Khao Chai Son District; the mosque in Hat Khao Tao East; and the multipurpose building at Koh Mak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, totaling 2,000 relief kits. Minister Phiphat stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized in a Cabinet meeting the importance of ministries with available resources assisting flood-affected communities. The Labour Ministry provided 4,000 relief kits, supported by affiliated agencies and private businesses. Senior officials have been deployed across seven southern provinces to provide aid and encouragement. In Nakhon Si Thammarat, Secretary to the Minister Aree […]
On July 10, 2024, at 17.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the opening of the 30th National Skills Competition, regional level, at the Prem Music Hall, Thaksin University. From the Prime Minister’s Secretariat’s Office, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the Department of Skill Development’s Director-General, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Governor of Songkhla Province, Mr. Somnuek Promkhieo, the Ministry of Labour’s executive committee, executives from the Department of Skill Development, heads of government agencies in Songkhla Province, the southern provincial group and youths participated in the opening ceremony. The opening ceremonies were held simultaneously in all four regions, looking for over 1,600 youths with quality skills throughout the country to be selected to compete in the national competition. It aims to spark a new generation of workers to step onto the world stage, showcasing the potential of Thai workers. The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Skill Development had adopted the royal philosophy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great as […]
On June 28, 2024, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, presided over the opening ceremony of JOB EXPO THAILAND 2024, Thailand’s most fun income-generating job fair. The Department of Employment’s Director-General, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, reported on the event’s objectives. The Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat’s Office, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives joined the occasion at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. Mr. Phiphat said that government policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Srettha Thavisin focuses on reducing inequality in society and promoting a good quality of life for the people. It strives to create opportunities for all people of the working age to pursue a career to have a stable income. Currently, Thailand is facing challenges from changes in economic and social conditions, especially in the population structure, which has made Thailand an aging society. The rate of new births has decreased significantly. As […]
On June 10, 2024, at 09.30 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the press conference for the JOB EXPO THAILAND 2024 event at the Ministry of Labour’s conference room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. The Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat’s Office, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives also joined the occasion. The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment has prepared for the JOB EXPO THAILAND 2024 between June 28 to 30, 2024, from 11.00 to 21.00 hours at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, HALL 6 – 7. The event’s goal is to promote Employment, create jobs and careers, and generate a stable income. Over 500,000 domestic jobs and over 100,000 overseas jobs have been prepared to accommodate job applicants at the event. Mini concert activities from famous artists are being organized. It is estimated that over 80,000 people will attend the event throughout its […]
The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, reported that the Ministry of Labour realizes the importance of informal workers, who are an important force driving the country’s economy and society. They are the largest group of workers, with over 20 million people. The focus is to ensure they have access to basic rights to work and have social security principles, ensuring work safety and a better quality of life. This is especially relevant to employees who do housework, where the legal protection is still not comprehensive and is not consistent with the economic conditions of a changing society. Therefore, the Government, through the Ministry of Labour, is constantly pushing for laws to expand protection for employees who do housework, which has now been announced in the Royal Gazette to come into effect on April 30. Mr. Phiphat continued that the Ministry of Labour has issued Ministerial Regulation No. 15 (2024) in accordance with the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541, which was published in the Royal Gazette on April 30, 2024, providing increased protection for employees who do housework in 11 […]
The labour Minister assigned his Secretariat to join in the honour of the opening ceremony of the electric bus for route 8 of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited, under the slogan “Travel with a Smile, and Care for the Environment.” It offers those holding a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to work in the service sector, earning up to 30,000 Baht per month. The Labour Minister, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, assigned the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Suthep Chitvong, to join in the honour of commencing the service of electric buses for route eight by the Thai Smile Bus Company Limited. Transport Minister Mr. Saksiam Chidchob chaired the event, and Chief Executive Officer of Energy Absolute Public Company Limited, Mr. Somphot Ahunai, gave a welcome speech. The occasion took place at Bus Station No. 8, Bueng Kum District, Bangkok. Mr. Suthep said that the government under your leadership of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Prayuth Chan-ocha, and Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, who oversees the Ministry of Labour, gives importance to the promotion of employment for Thai […]
Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin spoke about the progress of the policy of sending Thai workers to work in Saudi Arabia. He said that according to a report from the Labour Office in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, it was found that employers in Saudi Arabia had previously reported the need for Thai workers in a total of 309 positions. Mr. Suchart added that Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Prayuth Chan-ocha, and Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, who oversees the Ministry of Labour, have the policy to promote employment for all Thai people, especially the acceleration of sending Thai workers to work in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Labour has responded to the policy. Recently, employers have notified their demand for Thai workers through the Labour Office in Saudi Arabia. Most of the positions are in nursing, nursing mentors, and nursing assistants, with 100 positions each for 300 positions. In addition, there are nine other positions in the technician field, namely three welders, three control technicians, and three positions industrial electricians. The average wage rate is approximately 27,500 – 37,000 Baht, depending on the international currency exchange rate. When […]
