On May 11, 2025, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Labor of Thailand, along with key officials from the Ministry, arrived in Jeju, South Korea, to participate in the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Human Resources Development (APEC HRDMM 2025). This significant event, taking place on May 12, 2025, aims to enhance cooperation regarding labor issues and the development of human resources across member countries.
The delegation included Mr. Boonchob Suthamanaswong, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, and Mr. Sakdinath Sonthiyothin, the Assistant Permanent Secretary. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Ms. Saowameeong Kim, the Director of the Office of Foreign Workers Administration in Cheju Province, along with Mr. Semun Lee, Chairman of the Community Association of Foreigners in Cheju, and Mr. Yongkil Han, the Director of the Center for Skills Promotion.
During his visit, Minister Pipat expressed gratitude towards Cheju Province and the Center for their support of Thai laborers, stating, "I appreciate the budget and personnel dedicated to closely monitoring the Thai workforce here." He emphasized the importance of ensuring that arrangements for Thai workers are comprehensive and appropriate.
Currently, there are approximately 110 Thai laborers working in Cheju, primarily in agriculture, livestock, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many of these workers have completed their four-year contracts and are preparing to extend their E-7 visas to continue working legally. The average income for these workers is around 50,000 baht per month, allowing many to save money, purchase land, or even buy tractors to improve their lives back in Thailand.
One notable success story is a Thai worker from Surin Province who has been employed for 11 years, accumulating savings and preparing to return home with pride. This showcases the potential for Thai laborers to improve their quality of life while working abroad.
Mr. Boonchob Suthamanaswong reiterated the Ministry's commitment to closely monitor and support Thai laborers overseas. He indicated that should there be an increasing demand for Thai workers, particularly in service and industrial sectors, the Ministry is ready to facilitate their deployment in a systematic manner. He also invited representatives from South Korea to visit Thailand officially.
The Center for Skills Development in Cheju plays a crucial role in supporting foreign workers, offering various services including labor consultations, immigration advice, and human rights support. It also provides language and cultural training, organizes cultural activities, and offers services in five languages. The Center has previously assisted Thai workers in various situations, such as coordinating the repatriation of deceased workers back to Thailand at no cost and negotiating unpaid wages with employers.
In a personal engagement with Thai laborers at the Center, Minister Pipat encouraged them to embrace their time abroad, advising, "Korean employers may seem stern, but it’s not about emotions. Keep an open mind to learn about the culture and characteristics of your employers." He also cautioned against involvement with drugs or gambling, urging workers to use this opportunity to build a stable life and remember their families waiting for them back home.
In addition to the APEC meeting, Minister Pipat's agenda included visiting the Lemongrass Thai restaurant in Gangnam, a popular establishment in South Korea that has expanded to 13 branches nationwide. During his visit, he reminded the Thai workers there to focus on their jobs, save money, and avoid illegal activities, highlighting the significance of working legally to ensure stable income and protection through social security systems from both Thailand and South Korea.
He also met with Mr. Park Bong Soo, CEO of Seyeon FNC, the parent company of the restaurant, who expressed gratitude for the support provided in hiring Thai laborers. The restaurant reportedly generates around 4 million baht in monthly revenue, reflecting the growing popularity of Thai cuisine in the South Korean market.
Further discussions took place with Mr. Min-Suk Kim, the Acting Minister of Labor in South Korea, and Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, the Minister of Labor in Malaysia, to exchange insights on labor law reforms and explore avenues for deeper cooperation in labor matters.
Minister Pipat's itinerary also included meetings with Dr. Park Kwan Bai, a senior researcher from RICON, to gain insights into the South Korean labor market, and visits to the Goyang City government office and the Yeoju training center for new workers, where he encouraged 120 new Thai laborers who had just arrived to work in South Korea.
This visit underscores Thailand's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its labor force abroad, aiming for Thai workers to have a dignified, skillful, and prosperous existence on the global stage.
