On December 7, 2022, the Labour Minister, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, and the delegation had a bilateral meeting with H.E.The Hon Brendan O’ Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training, from the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, on the occasion of traveling to Singapore to attend the ILO’s 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM), and discussions on cooperation in opening up the labour market in Australia. The Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, Mr. Chutintorn Kongsak, gave a welcome at the Ord Meeting Room, Stamford Meeting Rooms, Level 4, Raffles City Convention Center, Singapore.
Mr. Suchart said that the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Prayuth Chan-ocha has focused on promoting Thai people to work abroad. The government has provided support for Thai people to have jobs, enhanced handicraft skills, and bring income back to develop the country, in which Thailand has educational institutions with potential. On the Ministry of Labour’s part, the Department of Skill Development is ready to provide skills training for Thai people before going to work abroad. Therefore, today’s bilateral discussions between Thailand and Australia are a good opportunity to strengthen cooperation in labour to drive the economy of both countries, as well as strengthen ties so that workers can be delivered in the fields of agriculture, artisans and service businesses, to meet Australia’s needs. Today’s discussions are a good starting point for the cooperation of both sides in the future. The Ministry of Labour will lead the delegation to meet with the Chamber of Commerce, and the Industry Council of Australia, to discuss and exchange information on the details of the need for Thai workers in scarce fields, including the signing of cooperation in sending Thai workers to work in Australia in the future as well.
“I would like to thank the Minister for Skills and Training from the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations for the discussion today. It is considered a good signal that will help create more opportunities for Thai workers to work abroad, increase their skills and raise income for themselves and their families. Most importantly, it will help generate money for the country and increase competitiveness,” concluded Mr. Suchart.
Mr. Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training from the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, said that today was a great pleasure to meet with the Labour Minister. He said that the Australian people already have a preference for Thai people. This discussion is a good opportunity as Australia currently faces labour shortages in many fields. Thai workers are therefore sought after by Australian employers. What has been discussed today will be returned to relevant agencies to continue to coordinate in detail closely together.
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