Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, announced following her chairing of a meeting of the Centre for Assistance, Coordination and Monitoring of the Unrest Situation in the Middle East, held together with labour attachés from three missions in the region, that the Ministry of Labour has prepared to support evacuation operations for Thai workers returning to Thailand in accordance with government policy and under the direction of the Prime Minister. The situation has been categorised into four levels of severity: stable, severe, prolonged, and resolved. She has assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, as Director of the Centre, with full authority to command and coordinate all relevant sectors. At present, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities among Thai workers. Regarding assistance for Thai workers in host countries, Ms. Trinuch stated that labour attachés in Israel have been tasked with facilitating and coordinating assistance, particularly with Israeli authorities and employers, to relocate Thai workers from high-risk areas (such as border areas near Lebanon) to safer locations. For Iran, although Thailand does not have a dedicated labour office, the Labour Office at the Royal Thai […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, spoke about concerns over the declining birth rate, which is a challenge faced by many countries worldwide. If no action is taken, Thailand will be among the 23 countries most severely affected by this issue by 2100. A significant decline in population will have a major impact on national economic systems in the future. The Ministry of Labour has pushed forward the Labour Protection Act (No. 9) B.E. 2568 (2025), which came into force on December 7. This represents a significant upgrade and reform of Thailand’s labour law. The amendment increases maternity leave from 98 days to 120 days, and requires employers to pay wages during maternity leave at the normal working-day rate for up to 60 days. In addition, the law allows childcare leave for a sick child, granting an additional 15 days of leave in cases where a child is ill, disabled, or has special needs, with wage compensation at 50%. Spouses are also permitted to take paternity leave to support their wives during childbirth, for the first time under Thai law, granting 15 days of paid leave at full pay. The […]
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, extended his congratulations to all workers following the House of Representatives’ approval of the draft Labour Protection Act (Amendment No. …), which increases the maternity leave entitlement for female employees from 98 days to 120 days. Employers are required to pay full wages for 60 days during maternity leave. Additionally, female employees may take an extra 15 days of leave to care for a newborn child in the case of a serious health condition, developmental abnormalities, or disability, with the employer paying 50% of wages during this extended leave. The bill also grants employees the right to take 15 days of leave to assist a spouse who has given birth. This leave can be taken either prior to or within 90 days after childbirth, and employers must pay 100% of wages throughout the leave period. Mr. Pongkawin further stated that these new entitlements align with the Ministry of Labour’s declared policy to protect all workers equally. He affirmed that the Ministry of Labour will continue to safeguard every worker group. Moreover, he stressed the need to push forward new labour laws that include over […]
May 1, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the National Labour Day 2025 celebrations at Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, presided over the opening of the National Labour Day 2025 event, whereby Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, gave a report. Mr. Panas Thailuan, Chairman of the 2025 Labour Day Organizing Committee, formally accepted nine labour demands and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ quality of life through tangible action. A major highlight was the announcement of a Labour Day “gift” designed to help Thai workers launch or sustain careers and enterprises. At 7.30 hours, Mr. Phiphat led a merit-making ceremony, offering alms to nine monks in honour of Labour Day, with Phra Phromwachiramontri, abbot of Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, presiding over the religious rites. This was followed by a parade featuring senior ministry officials and workers marching from Chulalongkorn Intersection to Bangkok City Hall. Mr. Phiphat addressed thousands of workers in attendance. He emphasized that the Ministry of Labour takes every labour demand seriously, with dedicated working […]
On July 16, 2024, at 15:30 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, led the executive team and agencies under the Ministry of Labour to participate in recording an offering of blessings ceremony to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on the occasion of Her Majesty’s birthday on August 12, 2024. The Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri; the Advisor to the Labour Minister, Mr. Thanat Thaweekueakulkit; the Secretary to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara; Mr. Phuchong Warasri, from the Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Office, performing duties at the Ministry of Labour; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Pairote Chotikasathien along with senior executives of the Ministry of Labour, attended the recording session at the Channel 7 Television Station recording room in Chatuchak District, Bangkok.
On June 12, 2024, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, delivered a statement at the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference. The Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Ministry of Labour’s executives, and Minister Counselor (on Labour), Ms. Chayanan Chatmat joined in listening at the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Phiphat said that cooperation through multilateral partnerships will play an essential role in promoting social justice based on the ILO Constitution and international human rights principles. Equal opportunity, fair distribution of benefits, and a just transition will be critical factors to success. A new social contract is essential to mitigating the impact of enormous challenges in the world of work, which comes from changes in the population structure, climate, digital technology, and environmental transition. The Thai government places importance on having a new social contract to ensure that everyone has shared responsibility and prosperity. Good governance is needed to achieve this goal. People must have the opportunity to participate and create […]
On June 11, 2024, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, said that the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, himself, the Ministry of Labour’s executives, and representatives from the government, including employer and employee representatives, will travel to Geneva, in Switzerland, from June 11 – to 15, 2024, to participate in the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference. Thailand has been a founding member of the organization since 1919. In this meeting, the Ministry of Labour will be led by the Labour Minister. There is an agenda to meet with the International Labour Organization’s Director-General, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, to discuss government matters regarding labour as well. The main agenda for this year’s meeting includes the Ministry of Labour’s submission to ratify Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards), 1976, for Thailand, which is considered to be an expression of Thailand’s intention to emphasize the transparency of the tripartite consultations that Thailand has always carried out, which drives the issue of social justice. The Minister of Labour is scheduled to state at the general meeting. Mr. Pairoj continued that, in […]
On May 24, 2024, at 09.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, presided over an address to 126 Thai workers who will travel to work in Taiwan and Japan. The Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat’s Office, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives joined the occasion at the Ministry of Labour’s meeting room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, revealed that the Ministry of Labour has set a goal of sending 100,000 Thai workers to work abroad by 2024, encouraging Thai workers to have a stable income and improve their quality of life. In the latest developments, it has sent 60,769 workers abroad to 139 countries, reaching 60.7 percent of its goal. The top five countries where Thai workers are sent to are Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Laos, and the United States. Today, 126 Thai workers were preparing to travel to work abroad legally. The workers were receiving pre-departure training. Of the 126 […]
On August 11, 2022, at 08.15 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, presided over the ceremony and signed blessings to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on the occasion of her 90th birthday on August 12, 2022. Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Surachai Chaitrakulthong, the Labour Minister’s Advisor, Mrs. Thiwalrat Angkinan, Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Suthep Chitvong, Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong, Assistant Ministers from the Prime Minister’s Office, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, Police Major General Nantachat Supamongkol, Mr. Suthi Sukosol, and Sergeant Major Yossingh Liamlert, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson (on politics), Mrs. Thienrat Navamawat, together with the Ministry of Labour’s executives, civil servants, and officials also joined the occasion at the Ministry of Labour’s meeting room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. +++++++++++++++++++++ Division of Public Relations 11 August 2022
On August 5, 2022, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong, presided over the reforestation activity in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, on August 12, 2022. Together participants planted 990 trees. Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Wannarat Srisuksai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mrs. Bubpha Phanpeng, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Orathep Intarasakul, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, civil servants, and personnel from the central and regional areas, local government officials and private agencies participated in the activity at the Khao Yai National Park, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Division of Public Relations 5 August 2022
On Friday, July 1, 2022, at 13.00 hours, the Yasothorn Provincial Labour Officer, Mrs. Arphon Sisa, from the Yasothon Provincial Labour Office, paid a visit to conclude the project following the Yasothon annual government action plan for the 2021 fiscal year. The social development project’s main activities included developing the quality of life and strengthening families and communities for sustainability following the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy round 4 in the Thai Charoen District. The courses included making economic furnaces and IT knowledge training at Yae Yai Market Area, Moo 7, Ban Non Muang, Kham Toei Subdistrict, Thai Charoen District, Yasothon Province. The morning session included a lecture on how to use technology to increase online market opportunities by TOT Yasothon. The afternoon session included a lecture on presenting product information and providing information about electronic products by TOT Yasothon.
On April 22, 2022, Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin chaired the meeting to hand over the policy of sending Thai workers to work abroad for 2022. The political management team, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Wannarat Srisuksai, joined in honour of the event. The Department of Employment’s Director-General, Mr. Pairoj Chotiksetian, gave a report, and 127 recruiting licensees to work abroad attended the meeting in the meeting room on the 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. Mr. Suchart said that the COVID-19 situation in the past had caused restrictions on international travel. Some receiving countries adjusted their policies and delayed the acceptance of foreign workers. But at present, the receiving countries have begun to relax international travel measures. In the 2023 fiscal year, the target is to send about 50,000 workers to work abroad, excluding re-entry travel. This is a good opportunity for Thai workers and the private sector that operates businesses sending Thai workers to work abroad. Today, the Ministry of Labour invited 127 companies with recruiting licensees to work abroad, and officials involved in sending workers to work abroad to […]
On April 11, 2022, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong, assigned the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Wannarat Srisuksai, to participate in the National Senior Citizens Day and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the drive to provide services and assistance in the Family Line. Mr. Juti Krairiksh, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, presided over the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at ICONSIAM Shopping Center, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San District, Bangkok. Mr. Wannarat said that the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding intends for all parties to agree to work together to drive services and assistance in the Family Line. It aims to integrate cooperation in counseling, monitoring, assistance, welfare, protection of rights, and forwarding to service users and their families. It also aims to develop an online learning space to promote knowledge exchange and family creative media for family members of all ages. As for the Ministry of Labour’s scope, the Department of Employment will support personnel to become experts in advising the Family Line system on job search issues. It will support the exchange and linage of information about […]
On December 28, 2021, at 13.30 hours, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong, chaired the Labour Welfare Committee Meeting No. 12/2021 at Prof. Nikom Chandravithu meeting room, 5th floor, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Division of Public Relations 28 December 2021
Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong paid homage to the sacred objects of the Ministry of Labour on accepting the position of the 12th Permanent Secretary of Labour, following the Royal Command announcing the appointment on September 14. On October 1, 2021, Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr.Boonchob Suthamanaswong entered the Ministry of Labour to pay homage to the ministry’s sacred objects consisting of San Thao Mahaprom Thewarit, San Por Pu Chai Mongkhon, Phra Phut Chinnarat, Phra Phut Sutthitham Bophit, and San Por Pu Suchin Promma, at the Ministry of Labour’s grounds. He also paid homage to Phra Phut Chinnarat in his office on the 7th floor, Ministry of Labour’s building. The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, gave a welcoming and congratulations along with senior executives, government officials, and officials from the Ministry of Labour, who also joined in giving a warm welcome. Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Ramkhamhaeng University and a Master of Public Administration from the National Institute of Development Administration. He had previously held important positions such as the Director of the […]
On September 13, 2021, at 09.30 hours, Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Suthi Sukosol chaired the Employee Welfare Fund Committee Meeting No. 12/2021 via electronic media. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s Director-General, Mr. Apinya Sucharitanan, department executives, government representatives, employers, employee representatives, and related officers attended this meeting. The meeting considered the 3-year digital action plan (2021 – 2023) and the year 2022 of the Employee Welfare Fund, disposal of debt from the Employee Welfare Fund as bad debt, and requests for allowances other than compensation. The occasion took place at the Mitmaitri Conference Room 2, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Division of Public Relations 13 September 2021
