On November 25, 2024, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in promoting employment for older people between the Department of Employment and 16 leading business establishments. The Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Employment Officer of Roi Et Province, Acting as Labour Academic Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, along with the executives of the Ministry of Labour joined the event. The Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, and executives of 16 establishments signed the agreement at the meeting room on the 5th floor of the Ministry of Labour.
The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that Thailand had entered a “complete aging society.” As such, it is necessary to promote employment so that older adults can be more tangible. To encourage and support older people to have jobs in careers that are appropriate for their age and experience, create a stable income guarantee, create value and pride for older people, and increase the role and value of the elderly to participate in the economy and reduce the burden of government expenses on welfare for older people, the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Employment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in promoting employment for older people between the Department of Employment and 16 leading businesses It has prepared job positions nationwide to support the work of older people, of over 4,000 positions, which are jobs that older people can do, are not hard work, and are not dangerous, such as positions as shop staff, baristas, and service personnel. The initiative helps reduce labour shortages in some sectors, strengthens the Thai labour market in the future, and also allows older adults to fully participate in social and economic development, as well as promotes everyone to have a good and sustainable quality of life in retirement.
“I would like to thank the 16 companies from the private sector for playing an important role in promoting employment, creating opportunities, and creating careers for the elderly. Having a job not only helps older adults have income or a better quality of life but also makes older people feel proud and see their own value. From now on, the Ministry of Labour will continue to push all sectors to see the potential and importance of hiring the elderly,” said the Labour Minister.
The Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, said that the signing of this MOU is the intention and commitment of all sectors to create a framework of cooperation to promote and support older people to have jobs; older adults are well-equipped with age, qualifications, and experience from work and life, which are good examples for workers. The Department of Employment is responsible for promoting employment in positions suitable for older people. At the same time, business establishments will employ older people according to the policy framework set by the business establishments and prepare to support the employment of older people, along with providing vacant positions for older people to the Department of Employment and participating in job fairs to recruit applicants.
In addition, senior citizens who are looking for work can use the service at the website “thaimeengantam.doe.go.th” or the “Thai Mee Ngan Tam” application. Senior citizens can search for information on job positions that are most suitable for them by matching job positions according to their knowledge, abilities, and skills. If it is not convenient to use the online system, they can contact the provincial employment office in every province, the Bangkok Employment Office Area 1-10, and the Thai Employment Service Center (Smart Job Center). If they would like to ask for more information, they can contact the Ministry of Labour’s hotline at 1506, press 2 for the Department of Employment, or contact the Department of Employment’s hotline at 1694.
Another 16 leading establishments include PTG Energy (Thai Coffee), Home Product Center, Central Restaurants, CP All, Big C Supercenter, Saha Lawson, Food Passion, True Touch (TRUE Group), Black Canyon, Index Living Mall, McThai, C.J. Express Group, Happy Nest Space (Café Amazon), Business Services Alliance, Suntory Beverage and Food (“Brand”), and Central Retail Corporation.
