Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul met with private enterprises to acknowledge labour demands and to boost confidence within the private sector and workforce in support of economic growth, employment, skills development and social stability for informal workers. The Labour Minister also met with unit heads to share new thoughts, lay new foundations and integrate new operations for better outcomes for the people.
Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul gave a speech after chairing the meeting to follow up progress on implementation of government policy on labour and acknowledgement on obstacles and suggestions from the private sector, at the Khon Kaen City Hall. In his speech, he said that Khon Kaen was crucial for economic growth in the Mekhong region, as well as being a central hub for transportation and logistics. He explained the ministry’s role in catering to the workforce in support of economic growth whereby many factors would need to be improved such as protection of informal workers, employment, skills development and social security, which was one of the eight agendas for reform. General Sirichai also explained the two conditions for legal foreign workers which were in labour-intensive and household jobs, and that foreign workers found in any other occupation could be immediately reported for legal prosecution. As for the suggestion on establishing an institute to promote occupational safety, health and environment, the Labour Minister commended this and said it would be considered for further action.
General Sirichai spoke about the unemployment of new graduates during this period (over 500,000 enter the labour market annually), measures would need to be taken to prepare the workforce and align the vocational curriculum with business needs. He instilled confidence in the workforce and private sector that foreign workers would not take over Thai workers’ jobs and that the Ministry of Labour would ensure supply of foreign workers to align with local needs and would increase its responsibilities to oversee overall human resource development.
On this occasion, the Labour Minister presented policies to government officials from affiliated units across 6 Northeastern provinces, promoting a more proactive approach and working together as partners towards international standards. He asked all units to work as a citizen centric unit, putting the people’s needs as a priority and having plans to develop the local area. The Labour Minister also encouraged units to maintain updated with happenings on a national and international level and to be flexible to future changes.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
2 June 2017
