Nakhon Si Thammarat: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Labor, visited Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to oversee the management of foreign workers to ensure compliance with legal standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn's visit on April 20, 2025, included interactions with foreign workers at the port, where he emphasized adherence to laws governing their management, in line with government policy. During his visit, he also engaged with agencies under the Ministry of Labor in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The Minister was welcomed by notable figures including Mr. Phuchong Worasri of the Office of the Prime Minister, Group Captain Athikun Kongmee from the Ministerial Working Group on Illegal Labor Management, and Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labor, among others.
Mr. Pipat highlighted that the government's objective is to ensure that foreign workers in Thailand operate within the legal framework and are safeguarded according to international standards. This initiative aims to protect workers' rights and bolster confidence in the business sector, as well as enhance the country's labor management image. The Ministry of Labor is prioritizing foreign labor management to address labor shortages through systematic operations. By visiting the control center that reports on incoming and outgoing ships, Mr. Pipat aimed to provide guidance to employers, employees, and local officials, gathering insights to refine policies based on real-world needs.
The Minister also inspected the Port In-Port Out Control Center (PIPO) as part of the Ministry of Labor's mission to foster understanding among fish farm owners about equitable treatment of foreign workers compared to Thai workers. The Ministry has collaborated with several agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, focusing on preventing human trafficking and improving Thailand's labor sector status from Tier 2.
Commending the fishing operators, Mr. Pipat expressed appreciation for those who have legally hired foreign workers, ensuring they possess proper work permits and are integrated into the social security system, adhering to human rights principles. This is the standard the Ministry aims to achieve across all regions.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, there are 24,762 foreign workers, with the majority hailing from Myanmar, followed by Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Specifically, 1,894 foreign workers are engaged in the fishing industry within the province, with significant contributions from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.