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 […]
March 10, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the Cabinet has approved an extension of the deadline for renewing work permits for more than 370,000 migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam until March 31, 2026, from the previous deadline of February 24, 2026. This measure aims to prevent these workers from falling out of the system and becoming undocumented, as well as to avoid disruptions to businesses and the labour market, particularly to the country’s economic momentum. The Labour Minister further explained that the Cabinet resolution also extends the deadline for passport preparation or substitute travel documents, as well as for visa processing, from June 24, 2026, to July 31, 2026. As a result, the affected workers will be granted temporary relief once the relevant notifications from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour come into force. In the meantime, employers and businesses with workers of these three nationalities are advised to follow updates on the Ministry of Labour website at www.mol.go.th and the Department of Employment website at www.doe.go.th, or […]
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 […]
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.
January 13, 2026 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, received orchid flowers from a group of students, education professionals, executives, and staff of the Office of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand Secretariat as part of publicity activities for the 70th Teachers’ Day 2026, organised by the Ministry of Education, prior to the Cabinet meeting at Building 1, Government House.
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 […]
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 […]
April 30, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, invited workers, employees, social security contributors, and the general public to attend the “National Labour Day 2025” celebration. This annual event, hosted by the Ministry of Labour, aims to honor Thai workers as a driving force in the nation’s economic development and to ensure equitable access to benefits, services, and job opportunities. This year’s event is packed with free activities for all attendees, including job applications through the “Thai Mee Ngan Tum” platform with over 174,000 positions available, free flu vaccinations (limited doses covering four strains), basic health checkups provided by network hospitals under the social security scheme, freelance skill training, online learning with certificates, social security benefits check (all sections), free food and beverages, product shopping from disabled social security contributors, games, quizzes, and prizes, and live music from performing artists. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, announced that the event will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok City Hall on Dinso Road, starting at 07.00 hours. […]
On April 3, 2025, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, revealed that from the earthquake on March 28 and the building collapse that caused injuries and deaths, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, gave great importance and took immediate action. He instructed the establishment of a war room to help workers within 1 hour after the incident broke out nationwide. Currently, as of April 2, 2025, the Ministry of Labour has assisted by paying compensation to 22 affected people through social security benefits, totaling 17,388,375 Baht, divided into 850,000 Baht for funeral expenses, 15,568,392 Baht for compensation in the event of death, and 969,983 Baht for old age pensions. Currently, documents are being collected from dependents who are entitled to the compensation. Mr. Boonsong added that in the case of the collapsed building, a total of 96 people were affected, comprising nine injured people, 2 of whom were Thai workers, six foreign workers, 1 of whom was unknown and nationality unknown, 15 dead people, 10 of whom were Thai, three foreign workers, 2 of whom were unknown and nationality unknown, and 72 people are still missing and under […]
On January 10, 2025, at 11.00 hours, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, chaired the opening ceremony of the brainstorming workshop to draft a (draft) human resources development plan to support increased income and workforce productivity for 2025 – 2027 (Master Plan). Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, also joined the workshop. Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to attend. Mr. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, gave a report. Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, the Director-General of the Department of Employment, and executives joined the event at Centara Life Hotel, Government Complex, and Convention Center, Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, revealed that the world is facing various factors of change, such as climate change, the aging society, and the digital age, including the United States, which has an upcoming new president. The changing policies will affect the economy, society, and labour markets around the world, including Thailand, resulting in a demand for workers with a variety of skills, […]
On November 27, 2024, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, launched a project aimed at raising awareness and promoting social security for freelancers and volunteer workers in Bangkok. The event was attended by Mr. Aree Krailnara, Secretary to the Minister of Labour; Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; Ms. Marasri Jairangsi, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office; along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour, Social Security Office representatives, volunteer workers, Social Security Section 40 network members in Bangkok, and members of the media. The event took place at The Emerald Hotel on Ratchada Road in Bangkok. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed that the training session for this communication and awareness project demonstrates the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to its goals under the policy “Outstanding Social Security, Emphasis on Modern Skills, Jobs for All Thais, A Culture of Safety, and a Stable Labour Economy.” This initiative focuses particularly on engaging volunteer workers and social security network members in Bangkok to disseminate information on benefits and welfare. The project also aims to encourage freelancers to access comprehensive welfare services, such as health protection, compensation starting from the […]
On October 9, 2024, at 09.30 hours, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, chaired the meeting on the 3-year workforce plan project (2025 – 2027) of the Social Security Office. The meeting was attended by the Ministry of Labour Inspector-General, Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, as Acting Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, along with Social Security Office officials. The occasion took place at the Prasong Rananant Conference Room, 5th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building. The purpose of the meeting was to study and analyze the ecosystem, business models, and future challenges to be used as information for the Social Security Office’s workforce planning in the next three years. The meeting also proposed human resource management strategies that support readiness during the transition period by having an appropriate quantity and quality of personnel to support roles in the future and to create a 3-year workforce plan that is consistent with the mission and strategy of the Social Security Office, as well as to study, analyze, support, and jointly review the format and guidelines for organizational restructuring.
On October 2, 2024, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the raising of the Ko Teng pole ceremony, which is a symbol of the beginning of the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Province. He also visited the activity booths organized by the Ministry of Labor’s agencies. The Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Governor of Phuket Province, Mr. Sopon Suwannarat, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, Lieutenant Colonel Adul Chuthong, heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Phuket Province, and representatives from local administrative organizations gave a welcome. The private sector, as well as Phuket residents and both Thai and foreign tourists, wore white and joined the ceremony in large numbers at the Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine (Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Foundation), Phuket Province. Mr. Phiphat said that he was pleased and honoured to chair the raising of the Ko Teng pole ceremony, which is the symbol of the beginning of the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Province today. When talking about the Vegetarian Festival or “Jia Chai,” people think of Phuket Province and the Jui Tui Bo Keng Shrine, which is the provincial shrine […]
On September 11, 1024, at 10.00 hours, local time in Lyon, France, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak, the Department of Skill Development’s Director-General, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, and delegation, visited the 47th WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Twenty-two Thai youths participated in the competition in 19 categories. Executives and officials also visited the competition at the Eurexpo Convention and Exhibition Center in Lyon, France.
On September 10, 2024, at 19.00 hours, local time in Lyon, France, or 00.00 hours in Thailand, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak, the Department of Skill Development’s Director-General, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, led a group of 22 Thai youths, officials and experts in each field, to attend the opening ceremony of the 47th WorldSkills Lyon 2024. The event was attended by over 1,400 participants and representatives from 69 member countries at the LDLC Arena, a multi-purpose indoor sports venue in Lyon, France.
On September 6, 2024, at 09.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, gave a speech to Thailand’s youth representatives who will travel to participate in the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon or WorldSkills Lyon 2024, in France. The Social Security Office’s Secretary-General, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak, the Department of Skill Development’s Director-General, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, joined the event at the Chatumongkol Room, 6th floor, Ministry of Labor Building. The 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, or WorldSkills Lyon 2024, in France, is scheduled to take place between September 11 to 14, 2024. There are 59 categories and three demonstration categories in total, with Thailand competing in 19 categories. There are 22 Thai youth representatives participating in the competition, with 3 teams and 16 individuals.
