Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, stated that due to the flooding situation affecting six provinces—Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Phetchabun, and Udon Thani—with 21,258 businesses and 207,299 workers impacted, he is deeply concerned about the situation. He has directed the relevant agencies under the Ministry of Labor in the flood-affected provinces to provide assistance to the public urgently. The Ministry of Labor has instructed the provincial labor welfare and protection offices in the affected areas to meet with business owners to discuss employment details, assess the impact on workers and employers, and provide assistance in cases where workers are losing income or businesses are unable to operate. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor has been ordered to assign officials to take action and plan rapid assistance for the affected businesses and workers. Additionally, an assistance center has been established for workers and employers affected by the floods, allowing them to file complaints or request assistance through the Ministry of Labor’s hotline at 1506.
Mr. Pairot Chotikasathien, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, added that he had instructed the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare to look after the rights and benefits of workers in areas where they are unable to work due to their homes or workplaces being flooded. The department is also tasked with verifying the information of affected workers to provide assistance and protection according to the law, including unemployment benefits for insured persons in cases where employers temporarily cease operations due to force majeure. In this case, workers who cannot work due to flooding will be considered present and responsible for their duties. If employers lay off workers, compensation must be paid. Workers who have to stop working will still receive wages according to the law, as well as other benefits. In cases of illness caused by the flooding, workers can still use their social security benefits. Affected businesses in need of assistance can contact the Ministry of Labor.
Workers, employers, and the public affected by the floods who need assistance from the Ministry of Labor’s agencies can inquire for details at the Ministry of Labor hotline at 1506.
