Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, revealed that to support all groups of people and workers to travel back to their hometowns safely during the Songkran Festival 2025, the Ministry of Labour has integrated the work of all agencies under its jurisdiction to provide services to support both Thai workers, migrant workers, and employers so that they can travel with peace of mind, with rights, welfare, and safety on every route.
Mr. Phiphat spoke about public service activities during Songkran 2025 by each department as follows:
- The Department of Employment has resolved to allow migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar who have valid work permits to travel back to visit their families during Songkran and return to work in Thailand without having to apply for a Re-Entry Permit.
The grace period is April 1 to May 15, 2025. If workers return after May 15, they must re-apply for a permit according to the normal procedure. Employers and migrant workers have been instructed to strictly comply with the conditions and to return within the specified period so as not to lose their rights.
- The Department of Skill Development will provide free car and motorcycle inspection services for people traveling during Songkran. The services are provided during 2 periods:
April 1 to 10, 2025, at Skill Development Institutes/Offices nationwide and April 11 to 17, 2025, at service points on main or secondary roads. The effort is in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure that people can travel safely under the concept of “Drive Save D, Check Before Traveling”.
- The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has asked employers to consider giving employees a day off during Songkran so that both Thai and foreign workers can travel home and participate in traditional activities. They also emphasize the working conditions for vehicle drivers, which include not working more than 8 hours per day. If working overtime, it must not exceed 2 hours per day with a letter of consent from the employee. The next day, there must be a break of not less than 10 hours before starting work again.
- The Social Security Office provides the right for insured persons who are in an emergency during Songkran to receive treatment at the nearest hospital within 72 hours, using only a “national ID card” for faster treatment and connection to hospitals under the Social Security system. They emphasize that insured persons must carry their national ID cards at all times during the festive season to protect their rights.
- Thailand Institute Of Occupational Safety And Health (TOSH) will organize the activity “Adding Heart, Safety on Every Route,” distributing safety campaign stickers and cold drinks on April 10 to 11, 2025, at the Southern Bus Terminal, Taling Chan, to encourage bus and van drivers to be aware of road safety and to ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely.
Mr. Phipat reiterated that “All units of the Ministry of Labour are ready to provide full service so that our fellow workers and citizens can travel home safely, enjoy themselves with their families, and return to work with good morale. I wish everyone a safe journey during this year’s Songkran Festival.”
