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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Employment, has announced its readiness to organise “JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026”, the largest job fair of the year, under the key message “every job position fits every lifestyle: Thais must have jobs”, to be held from January 16-18, 2026, from 10.00 – 19.00, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. The event will feature over 500,000 domestic and overseas job vacancies, along with activities to enhance knowledge and understanding, upskill, provide vocational training, and offer comprehensive job application support. It will also bring together fashion, food, art, entertainment, and engaging workshops in one place. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that Thailand currently has over 40 million workers in the labour system. Yet, there remains a significant number of unemployed people and workers whose jobs do not match their skills or capabilities. This is particularly evident as the labour market transitions amid global economic conditions, technological change, and new industrial structures. Many employers still require workers with specific skills, while some workers lack access to suitable job opportunities. This gap represents a key challenge in Thailand’s current labour market. The […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, held a press briefing after a joint meeting with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and relevant agencies on integrated assistance, relief, and rehabilitation for flood victims in the South, held at the Ministry of Finance. She stated that the Prime Minister had issued urgent instructions following the flooding, ordering a rapid assessment of damage and the impact on affected establishments and employees. Initial data indicate that over 10,000 establishments and approximately 200,000 employees have been affected. The Prime Minister directed all agencies to accelerate every possible project that can provide the fastest relief and support. For the Ministry of Labour, immediate assistance includes income compensation for insured employees under the Social Security scheme. Through the enhanced benefits programme for unemployment due to force majeure caused by natural disaster, the Social Security Fund will provide 50% of daily wages, for days employees are unable to work, for a period of up to 6 months. This measure aims to provide quick relief and mitigate immediate hardship before moving into the reconstruction and recovery phase. The Minister of Labour added that, for insured persons requiring […]
November 24, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, officially launched the national policy “Thais Must Have Jobs”, initiating a significant operation to address unemployment, one of the most critical issues affecting the stability of Thai people. The Ministry of Labour has set a target of securing over 150,000 jobs within 4 months, through cross-sector collaboration and a new, nationwide employment service model covering every province. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated that the issue of Thais having “no job” is more than just lost income. It is not merely an economic figure, but a sign of social vulnerability. Unemployment means a loss of income and stability. It can lead to numerous problems, such as family issues, social violence, drug problems, and even exploitation by scam networks that have become a global threat. Without work, people lose opportunity and hope, making them more vulnerable to crime. Therefore, what people need is not just employment figures, but security in life, which the Ministry of Labour must deliver. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong added that “Thais Must Have Jobs” is not a slogan but a responsibility that all sectors must collectively pursue […]
November 21, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of a seminar on “Benefits of the Skill Development Fund under the Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 and its Amendments” for Fiscal Year 2026. The report was delivered by Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour and Acting Director-General of the Department of Skills Development. Attending the event were the Minister’s working group, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, senior executives of the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Skill Development, business representatives, and 500 seminar participants. The event took place in Makkhawan Rangsan Room, 3rd floor, The Royal Thai Army Club. Ms. Trinuch revealed that the seminar on the benefits of the Skill Development Fund under the Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 and its Amendments, for Fiscal Year 2026, was organised to ensure that establishments in the Bangkok area understand the benefits of the Skill Development Fund and the processes for promoting skill development under the Act. The seminar […]
November 7, 2025, 08.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over a merit-making and alms-offering ceremony dedicated as a royal merit to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on the occasion marking the 15th day (the Panrasamawan) since her passing, to express mourning and profound gratitude for her boundless compassion. The ceremony was attended by Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kacharak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, as well as senior executives, civil servants, and Ministry of Labour personnel. The occasion was held at the Child Development Promotion Centre for the Ministry of Labour and Personnel, and at the courtyard in front of the Phra Phutthasuthidhammapobit Pavilion. During the ceremony, monks were invited to chant Buddhist scriptures and perform the merit-making rites. A ceremonial altar was arranged, featuring the official portrait of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, as a tribute of loyalty and deep mourning befitting her honour. After the monastic ceremony concluded, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, together with senior executives, civil servants, and officials from the Ministry of Labour, offered alms of rice and dried goods to 10 monks as a […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about the policy to expand overseas markets for Thai workers to over 50,000 positions within four months, in line with the Quick Big Win policy to create income and new opportunities for Thai people. It emphasizes the promotion of quality labour markets, up-skilling / re-skilling development, and technology transfer back to Thailand. For Israel, one of the three countries receiving the largest number of Thai workers, the Overseas Thai Workers Administration Division, Department of Employment, has been instructed to prepare a workers’ training plan for Fiscal Year 2026 (October – November 2025). This is part of the project to develop the potential of Thai workers according to labour market needs in Israel. A total of 8 training batches will be organised, with 1,650 workers participating. All of them will gradually travel to Israel between October 31, 2025, and November 23, 2025. The Minister of Labour said that from Fiscal Year 2022 – 2026, as of October 31, 2025, a total of 41,440 Thai workers have been authorised to work in Israel: 32,490 in agriculture, 6,437 in construction, 556 in industry, 1,898 in services, […]
October 26, 2025, 10.00 hours – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to preside over the Royal Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony of the Ministry of Labour for the year 2025. This ceremony was held on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua graciously granting royal robes to the Ministry of Labour for presentation to the Buddhist monks who have completed their three-month Lent retreat at Wat Kuhasawan Worawihan, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province. The offering was made as an act of royal merit in honour of His Majesty the King, as well as a gesture of loyalty to the monarchy through support for Buddhism and royal temples, while preserving Thailand’s long-standing religious and cultural traditions. Attending the ceremony were Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, and Sub-Lt. Somsak Promdam, and Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, and Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor. They were joined by senior executives, civil servants, […]
October 13, 2025, 08.00 hours — Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, joined members of the Cabinet in a wreath-laying ceremony to pay tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) on the occasion of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day, observed on October 13, 2025. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who led Cabinet members in laying wreaths before the royal statue of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great as an expression of deep gratitude and remembrance of His Majesty’s boundless benevolence. The event took place at the King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Park, Phitsanulok Road, Dusit District, Bangkok.
September 27, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening ceremony of the Job Fair Zone at the Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2025. Also in attendance were Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Wichit Intaracharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Employment, and senior executives from the Ministry of Labour. Dr Phot Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Viboon Supakrapongkul, Vice Chairman, extended a warm welcome. The event was jointly organised through a landmark collaboration between the Ministry of Labour, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai–Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Thailand, and was held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong stated that this Job Fair was particularly significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The main objective, she noted, was to provide a platform linking high-quality employment opportunities with leading employers from both countries. “This is not merely about job placement, but about elevating the exchange of skilled talent to […]
September 12, 2025 – Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, represented the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour in receiving the 2025 Public Sector Excellence Award in the category of Public Sector Management Quality Award (PMQA) 4.0 – Advanced Level. The award was organised by the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), with Professor Emeritus Bowornsak Uwanno, a member of the Public Sector Audit and Evaluation Committee, presiding over the ceremony and presenting the award. Directors of bureaus, centres, divisions, and groups, as well as officials from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, attended to extend their congratulations at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Ms. Bunyawee stated that she was honoured to represent the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour in receiving the PMQA 4.0 – Advanced Level Award from the OPDC. This award is given to government agencies that strive for excellence in public sector management, with a focus on efficient and effective organisational management, outstanding performance, best practices, and results that deliver real value to service recipients and stakeholders. She added that the […]
July 18, 2025, 13.00 hours – Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, attended the “Ratchathan Keerati Piwat” Honourary Badge Presentation Ceremony for the Year 2025 and received the badge and certificate of honour from Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice. The event was held at IMPACT Exhibition Halls 9–10, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. The “Ratchathan Keerati Piwat” Honourary Badge is awarded in recognition of personnel under the Department of Corrections, agencies, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and made valuable contributions to the Department of Corrections and the nation, with a commitment to honesty, transparency, and public trust.
