Labour Minister Concludes Two National Skill Competitions: Emphasizes Potential of Thai Workers Ready to Support the Economy and Future Investment

On March 23, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, chaired the closing ceremony of the 30th National Skills Competition and the 10th National Skills Competition for the Disabled. He emphasized Thailand’s need to develop “human skills” to keep up with global technology and to be an important driving force in raising the country’s competitiveness. Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Krirkkrai Nasomyont, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s Inspector-General and Acting Legal Advisor, along with executives from the Ministry of Labour, joined the occasion. Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, gave a report to the closing ceremony participants and over a thousand people watching the competition at the Phoenix Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Center, Nonthaburi Province.

Mr. Phiphat said that the key factor in attracting foreign investment is no longer just labour cost alone but the quality of Thai workers to meet the needs of future industries, such as modern automotive, robotics, energy, and elderly care. “The youths who have passed this competition have shown that Thais have skills and potential and are ready to develop beyond their original limits.”

The Labour Minister said that the Department of Skill Development under the Ministry of Labour organized both competitions to qualify Thai national team representatives to compete at the ASEAN, Asian, and global levels and to provide a platform for people with disabilities to equally showcase their potential. This year, there were over 480 participants from all over the country.

Competition results: Gold medals (national level) at the 30th National Skills Competition in 27 categories:

1. Mechatronics Branch (Team) – Mr. Thiraphat Techachamphuwet / Mr. Piyangkun Marasmi, Khon Kaen Province.
2. Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering Drafting – Mr. Suphakorn Chanthakumuang, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
3. Mobile Robots (Team) – Mr. Jittiphum Bhumprasit / Mr. Khanut Trinanont, Khon Kaen Province.
4. Dimensional Metrology (Team) – Mr. Nattawut Thuengmusik / Mr. Narongsak Thongrakkhao, Phatthalung Province.
5. Industrial Automation (Team) – Mr. Phirachat Tobua / Mr. Thanakorn Thipprak, Chonburi Province.
6. Tiling – Mr. Thiraphong Chanthra-iet, Surat Thani Province.
7. Electrical System Technology in Buildings – Mr. Anuwat Bamkhuntod, Chonburi Province.
8. Bricklaying – Mr. Suphkrit Saengrup, Lopburi Province.
9. Furniture Wood – Mr. Tharathep Kaewmongkol Chumphon Province.
10. Wood Corner Assembly – Ms. Kanyawee Suphachok, Bangkok.
11. Cooling System Technology – Mr. Nitat Thanomton, Chonburi Province.
12. Information Technology – Mr. Thanapat Ngamwong, Chonburi Province.
13. Web Technology – Mr. Thiradech Suchindakul, Chonburi Province.
14. Flower Arrangement – ​​Mr. Nattawut Chansri, Bangkok.
15. Fashion Technology – Ms. Anusara Sermmatiwong, Lamphun Province.
16. Graphic Design – Mr. Nattakorn Homjit, Bangkok.
17. Automotive Technology – Mr. Pawaret Woharnluek, Chachoengsao Province.
18. Food and Beverage Service – Ms. Patcharamon Limthong, Phetchaburi Province.
19. Hairdressing – Mr. Thanwa Chitphan, Bangkok.
20. Cyber ​​Security (Team) – Mr. Nanthorn Chomsilp / Mr. Kraiwut Naikratok.
21. 3D Game Modeling – Mr. Ekkapop Sithon.
22. Elderly and Patient Care – Ms. Chanyanis Srisawatphen.
23. Automotive Paint Technology – Mr. Pawarit Woharluek, Chachoengsao Province.
24. CNC Machinery (Lathe) – Mr. Piyangkun Satchawet, Lamphun Province.
25. CNC Machinery (Milling) – Mr. Pantakan Maphanao, Lamphun Province.
26. Welding Technology – Mr. Ratchanon Thiphracha, Bangkok.
27. Culinary – Mr. Nakarin Charoonphanwanit, Bangkok.          Demonstration Branch of Industry 4.0 Competition –Mr. Peeranat Kulchirorot / Mr. Suphakit Phengphad, Chonburi Province.

The 10th National Skills Competition for the Disabled, 12 categories:

1.   Webpage design – Mr. Phutthamon Phulpiam by SPor.4 Ratchaburi.
2. Publication design – Mr. Wanlop Sri-amporn, Worker Rehabilitation Center, Region. 2, Rayong Province, SPor.17 Rayong.
3. Studio photography – Ms. Niranrat Chuhoi, Phang Nga Publishing.
4. Basket weaving – Mr. Thawat Chaemkhuntod.
5. Tailoring men’s clothing – Ms. Sampao Kaewbuntham, SPor.43 Tak, delivered by SPor.8 Nakhon Sawan.
6. Coloring – Mr. Suwan Sae-heo, Nan Publishing.
7. Crochet – Ms. Pranom Thamsungnoen, Pakpang Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital, Chaiyaphum Province (Chaiyaphum Publishing).
8. Embroidery – Ms. Chutima Sritrachai, Yasothon Publishing.
9. Knitting – Ms. Jongrak Siriwarin, Chainat Publishing.
10. Printing documents with Microsoft Word – Mr. Thian Thongloi, S.P.R.14, Pathum Thani.
11. Industrial design with computer programs – Mr. Narong Chantrakul, S.P.R.4, Ratchaburi.
12. Poster design – Mr. Jakkraphan Phatawong, S.P.R.16, Nakhon Pathom.

Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, said that participants who won gold medals will join a “training camp” to further develop their skills, with close support from national trainers and industry experts, in preparation for the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 (the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition) scheduled for August 2025 in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025 (the 3rd Asian Skills Competition) planned for November 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan, and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 (the 48th International Skills Competition) scheduled for September 2026 in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China.

The Department of Skill Development thanked the central supporting agencies from the government sector, private sector, educational institutions, and organizations for the disabled who have worked together to drive this year’s grand competition, such as the Federation of Thai Industries, professional associations, vocational institutes, leading technology companies, and organizations for the promotion of the disabled. This competition is not only a stage to showcase skills but also a starting point for the “new generation of workers” who are ready to be an important force for the Thai economy in the future. “Thai children are not only hard-working but have skills and creativity that can compete internationally. We have seen that everyone is ready to step into the future,” said Mr. Decha.