labour ministry

  • Thailand NewsThailand plans 400-baht minimum wage amid SME concerns

    Thailand plans 400-baht minimum wage amid SME concerns

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says he is dedicated to implementing a nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht, despite concerns over its effects on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and inflation. A tripartite wage committee is set to review this proposal tomorrow, March 12. Phiphat addressed a Parliamentary inquiry from Senator Tewarit Maneechai regarding the obstacles to this…

  • Thailand NewsNo promises on 400 baht minumum wage: Labour chief

    No promises on 400 baht minumum wage: Labour chief

    The long-awaited nationwide implementation of the 400-baht daily minimum wage remains uncertain, according to Labour Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth. While some major tourism provinces like Phuket and Chon Buri began offering the increased rate from January 1, Boonsong admitted there is no guarantee the wage hike will extend to all provinces anytime soon. Speaking during the first meeting of the…

  • Thailand NewsLabour Ministry probes fake health certificates for migrant workers

    Labour Ministry probes fake health certificates for migrant workers

    Labour Ministry Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth ordered an investigation into allegations of fake health certificates being sold to migrant workers, purportedly through connections with senior ministry officials. Boonsong emphasised that the ministry is taking these allegations seriously. He urged representatives and employers registering foreign workers to follow legal protocols, ensuring authentic health checks are conducted. Following these reports, Boonsong has…

  • Thailand NewsLabour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights

    Labour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively advocating for a legislative measure to enhance the protection and welfare of approximately 20 million informal workers, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson. The Labour Ministry is preparing to engage in discussions with the Cabinet’s secretary-general to determine the appropriate timeline for presenting the bill to the Cabinet for consideration. Phumiphat Mueanchan…

  • Bangkok NewsBig pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025

    Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025

    Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…

  • Thailand NewsThailand seeks more jobs for workers in Singapore shipyards

    Thailand seeks more jobs for workers in Singapore shipyards

    The Labour Ministry is actively pursuing opportunities to send more of Thailand’s workers to Singapore, particularly targeting the shipyard sector. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, visited Singapore over the weekend. They engaged with officials from the Labour Office in Singapore, local businessmen, and Ureerat Chareontoh, the ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, to discuss expanding…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to upskill 5 million workers by 2025 for economic growth

    Thailand to upskill 5 million workers by 2025 for economic growth

    The Department of Skill Development (DSD) in Thailand is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of over 5 million workers by 2025, prioritising digital technology to bolster industrial growth. This ambitious retraining programme is a strategic response to evolving business needs, as highlighted by Decha Pruekphathanarak, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand raises retirement age to 65 for all sectors

    Thailand raises retirement age to 65 for all sectors

    Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to extend the retirement age for both private and government sectors to 65 years, aligning it with countries like Singapore and Switzerland, announced Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat stated that the decision to increase the retirement age is influenced by significant advancements in health and medical technology, which have improved life expectancy. Additionally, the ministry plans to…

  • Thailand NewsNational wage committee to finalise 400-baht minimum wage

    National wage committee to finalise 400-baht minimum wage

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the national wage committee will reconvene on Friday to discuss the implementation of a 400-baht minimum wage for large employers nationwide starting October 1. The tripartite committee, which includes representatives from employees, employers, and the government, met on Monday. However, all five employer representatives were absent, leaving only the 10 members from the employee…

  • Thailand NewsNationwide daily minimum wage to be raised to 400 baht tomorrow

    Nationwide daily minimum wage to be raised to 400 baht tomorrow

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed plans to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide starting tomorrow, September 10, despite echoing concerns that the increase could negatively impact businesses. Phiphat announced that after discussions with business operators and a thorough study by a subcommittee from the Ministry of Labour, the decision to implement the minimum wage hike will proceed…

  • Thailand NewsThailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht confirmed for October 1

    Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht confirmed for October 1

    Pheu Thai Party’s labour policy, particularly the plan to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, remains firm, confirmed caretaker Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat assured that the wage hike, targeting specific professions and regions, is set to take effect on October 1, with further details to be announced shortly. The national wage committee, led by the permanent…

  • Thailand NewsLabour minister to investigate measures to save social security fund

    Labour minister to investigate measures to save social security fund

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn vowed to investigate measures to avert a potential collapse of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within the next decade due to funding shortfalls. The SSF, currently holding 2.6 trillion baht, is projected to grow to at least 4 trillion baht by 2034, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Despite…

  • Thailand NewsThai Oil denies 567 million baht payment for overdue wages

    Thai Oil denies 567 million baht payment for overdue wages

    Thai Oil Public Company Ltd firmly denied agreeing to issue a payment of 567 million baht to settle outstanding wages owed to workers by subcontractors. The unpaid wages are linked to the Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV) consortium, a subcontractor hired by Thai Oil. The consortium consists of Petrofac South East Asia Pte Ltd, Saipem Singapore Pte Ltd, and Samsung E&A…

  • Thailand NewsCommerce ministry acts to control prices amid minimum wage hike

    Commerce ministry acts to control prices amid minimum wage hike

    The Ministry of Commerce implemented two measures to tackle rising product prices following the minimum wage increase to 400 baht. Officials are closely monitoring clothing prices and urging businesses to maintain prices for essential goods in eight categories. Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade Wattanasak Sueaiam stated yesterday May 16 that the private sector is preparing to raise product…

  • Thailand NewsThailand government plans to raise minimum wage to 400 baht

    Thailand government plans to raise minimum wage to 400 baht

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled yesterday that the Government of Thailand has assembled a series of fresh employment benefits set to be introduced on May 1, International Workers’ Day. The most notable of these is a proposal to elevate the minimum wage to 400 baht across the nation. The new minimum wage rate of 400 baht has already received the…

  • Thailand NewsIllegal workers in South Korea: Amnesty for Thai nationals

    Illegal workers in South Korea: Amnesty for Thai nationals

    The Labour Ministry of Thailand has approached the South Korean government to consider granting amnesty to around 150,000 Thai workers currently residing and working unlawfully in South Korea. The plea was made yesterday by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat met with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jeong-sik, in Seoul on Wednesday, March 13, to examine the predicament. According to Phiphat,…

  • Thailand News10 regions of Thailand to use new minimum wage calculation

    10 regions of Thailand to use new minimum wage calculation

    The tripartite Wage Committee has given the green light, by a close vote of 7 to 5, to a new method for setting minimum wages. Ten key regions, including the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, are set to pioneer this transformative change from April onwards. The freshly endorsed formula marks a paradigm shift, incorporating elements such as labour productivity, contribution to…

  • Thailand NewsThai job seekers offered positions in Macau, salaries over 91,000 baht

    Thai job seekers offered positions in Macau, salaries over 91,000 baht

    The Thai Department of Employment announced a significant opportunity for job seekers with a penchant for the service industry. Some 67 positions are available in Macau, with no application fee and attractive salaries and benefits. Applications are accepted via email around the clock until February 12. Karom Phonphonklang Deputy Government Spokesperson, revealed that the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Employment…

  • Thailand NewsThai justice minister supports DSI in bribery, human trafficking probe

    Thai justice minister supports DSI in bribery, human trafficking probe

    Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong stepped forward to support the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as it investigates accusations of bribery and human trafficking levelled against two previous Cabinet ministers and two high-ranking officials involved in the supply of Thai labour to Finland. Tawee, who spoke before the regular Tuesday Cabinet meeting, denied any form of victimisation in the joint inquiry…

  • Thailand NewsFormer labour minister seeks legal advice over alleged Thailand-Finland trafficking scandal

    Former labour minister seeks legal advice over alleged Thailand-Finland trafficking scandal

    Former Labour Minister of Thailand Suchart Chomklin is seeking legal advice following allegations of involvement in a human trafficking and bribery scandal. The case in question pertains to the deployment of Thai workers to Finland for berry picking. Suchart vehemently denied receiving payments or engaging in any human trafficking activities related to this employment scheme. An ongoing investigation into the case…

  • Thailand NewsThai labour minister takes wages for a spin: Cabinet gears up for minimum wage review

    Thai labour minister takes wages for a spin: Cabinet gears up for minimum wage review

    Thai Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the Cabinet will be looking into a review of the new daily minimum wage rates. This comes after several business organisations urged the government to uphold the decision made by a tripartite wage committee regarding the increase in wages. Phiphat disclosed that he has no authority to review the rates approved by the…

  • Thailand NewsNationwide security guards training initiative kicks off with labour of love from ministry, police, and army

    Nationwide security guards training initiative kicks off with labour of love from ministry, police, and army

    A nationwide training initiative targeting security guards is set to be launched, courtesy of the Labour Ministry, police force, and army. This initiative, aimed at improving the skill set of guards, was discussed yesterday in a meeting convened by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Also in attendance were Watcharapol Bussamongkol, ex-president of the Security Services Association of Thailand (SSAT), and representatives…

  • Economy NewsEmployers in Thailand object to raising minimum wage

    Employers in Thailand object to raising minimum wage

    In the midst of Thailand’s worst worker’s debt in 14 years, Thai employers are opposing a new proposal to increase the country’s daily minimum wage. The currrent minimum daily wages range from 313 baht to 336 baht, depending on which part of the country you’re in. In Bangkok it’s 331 baht. Earlier this week, the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee and…

  • World NewsEvacuation of Thai nationals from Ukraine gets underway

    Evacuation of Thai nationals from Ukraine gets underway

    The evacuation of Thai citizens from Ukraine is now underway, with 47 Thais having arrived at a dedicated facility in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, according to a Bangkok Post report. The Thai embassy in Warsaw, Poland, is managing the evacuation, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The embassy has opened a help centre in Lviv, with a specially chartered bus…

  • Business NewsBusinesses call on government to accelerate return of migrant workers

    Businesses call on government to accelerate return of migrant workers

    Businesses in Thailand are urging the government to speed up the process that will allow for the legal return of migrant workers from neighbouring countries. The Labour Ministry recently confirmed its intention to sign MoUs with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos that would permit workers from those countries to enter Thailand from December. However, according to a Bangkok Post report, Thailand’s…

  • Covid-19 NewsHalf a million vaccine doses set aside for return of migrant workers

    Half a million vaccine doses set aside for return of migrant workers

    The Thai government has set aside up to half a million Covid-19 vaccine doses as it prepares for the return of much-needed migrant workers. The move comes following confirmation from Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin that Thailand will sign MoUs with neighbouring countries to allow workers to enter through legal channels. Officials have vowed to crack down on people smugglers and…

  • Visa InformationLabour Ministry confirms timeframe for registering undocumented migrant workers

    Labour Ministry confirms timeframe for registering undocumented migrant workers

    The Thai government has issued a timeframe during which employers must register undocumented migrant workers, thereby allowing them to obtain work permits and work legally. According to a Bangkok Post report, the Labour Minister, Suchart Chomklin, says the measure applies to migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, and is being introduced to mitigate the risk of further Covid-19 outbreaks.…

  • Covid-19 NewsLabour Ministry to provide 9.2 million workers with vaccine

    Labour Ministry to provide 9.2 million workers with vaccine

    Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin announced that under Section 33 of the Social Security Act, over 9 million employees will receive a Covid-19 vaccine and don’t need to register on the Mor Prom Line account. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha posted on Facebook Wednesday that these 9.2 million workers would receive priority vaccines as at-risk essential workers. Insured employees that have to work…

  • Covid-19 NewsGovernment clamping down on illegal migrants in effort to curb Covid-19

    Government clamping down on illegal migrants in effort to curb Covid-19

    The Thai government is coming down hard on illegal migrant workers and their employers, in an effort to curb imported cases of Covid-19. The Bangkok Post reports today that the Labour Ministry has created 6 teams to focus on the issue of illegal workers and the bosses who hire them. Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin says the teams have been tasked…

  • Economy NewsGovernment warns of fake apps attempting to cash in on handout scheme

    Government warns of fake apps attempting to cash in on handout scheme

    Thailand’s Labour Ministry has warned the public to be aware of fake mobile applications when registering for the government’s latest cash handout scheme. Spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek says that while a number of apps may be masquerading as registration platforms for the Mor33 Rao Rak Kan (“We Love Each Other”) campaign, registration is only possible via one official website. “The scheme…