On December 6, 2024, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, stated, “Today, I, along with Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labor; Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment; Mr. Decha Phruekpattanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare; Ms. Jirapa Boonrat, Deputy Secretary-General of the Social Security Office; and Mr. Nanthachai Panyasurarit, Director of the Social Security Office, have come to this event. Additionally, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, assigned Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labor, and Ms. Kornjirat Phongchansatorn, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, to participate. Heads of the Ministry of Labor’s departments in Satun Province, local administrative organizations, community leaders, labor graduates, labor volunteers, and local residents joined in welcoming us. Mr. Sakra Kapilkan, Governor of Satun Province, delivered a welcome speech.”
Mr. Phiphat mentioned that he visited Satun Province to assist flood victims. The majority of villagers in Satun are farmers and independent traders. The water levels have now returned to normal, but five districts were affected: Manang, Langu, and others. Today, over 300 relief packages were distributed, with the Satun Provincial Prison contributing 80 packages. Additionally, booths were showcasing the careers of gig workers and equipment repair services. The two distribution points in Satun Province were the first at the Chalung Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Mueang Satun District and the second at the Tha Phae District Community Hall. Village headmen and subdistrict headmen acted as representatives to receive the relief packages and distribute them to the affected residents.
Mr. Phiphat continued by outlining the Ministry of Labor’s measures to assist flood victims in the southern provinces. The Ministry will focus on restoring the affected areas once the floodwaters have receded, a situation that is already improving. The Department of Skill Development will establish a center called “Repair, Create, Happiness,” aimed at repairing electrical appliances and motorcycles that have been flooded. A team of approximately 300 technicians from the South will be mobilized to repair electrical appliances, work equipment, houses, motorcycles, and small agricultural engines that were submerged in water, with the goal of returning them to working conditions. In the seven affected provinces, it is estimated that at least 1,000 motorcycles were damaged by the flood, with repairs set to begin on December 20. The Ministry will also request budget support for a project designed to address employment challenges, offering work opportunities for people once the floodwaters have receded so they can return to their usual occupations as quickly as possible. Other labor-related measures include reducing the contribution rate and extending the contribution period for insured employees. Employees whose workplaces were flooded and who had to stop working can apply for unemployment benefits due to force majeure. They can also register for unemployment insurance online through the Department of Employment’s website. In cases where an employee’s residence has been affected, preventing them from going to work or causing delays, employers are encouraged to allow employees to take time off without counting it as leave.
