On May 23, 2024, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, spoke of the approval of the Joint Labour Declaration on the mobilization of social security rights for migrant workers in the CLMTV countries at the fourth Labour Ministerial Meeting. The Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, the Ministry of Labour’s executives and related agencies participated at the Prasong Rananant meeting room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour, and via video conferencing.
Mr. Phiphat said that this year’s topic focuses on linking social security rights for migrant workers in the CLMTV group of countries. The migration of migrant workers, both leaving the country of origin and migrant workers coming to work in the destination country, may result in workers lacking access to social security protection due to different limitations in each country. Thailand, by the Ministry of Labour, provides social security protection for all migrant workers, equally, without discrimination, and according to international human rights principles and international labour standards. For example, during the COVID-19 outbreak, vaccines were provided to all migrant workers, with equal protection. Currently, there are 1.43 million foreign-insured persons, 1.31 million of whom are from CLMV countries.
Mr. Phiphat continued that he agrees, in principle, with the draft Declaration of the Minister of Labour concerning the mobilization of social security rights for migrant workers in CLMTV countries, which will promote migrant workers to have efficient access to social security rights. In order for Thailand to adopt international declarations, such proposals must be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. Once the draft declaration is reviewed thoroughly, he would be pleased to push this draft declaration forward. In addition to this, Thailand is proud to host the next CLMTV meeting.
The Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, expressed his opinion that The joint commitment of Labour Ministers in CLMTV countries will be an essential step towards finding possible avenues for cooperation and further coordination in linking social security benefits for migrant workers between each other.
