March 31, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, visited the Joint Command Center at the new office building of the Office of the Auditor General to monitor the situation and establish the “Coordination and Assistance Center for Workers Affected by the Earthquake.” The center aims to provide urgent support for all workers, both Thai and foreign.
Accompanying the minister were Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; Mr. Samat Patamasukhon and Mr. Santi Nantasuawan, Deputy Permanent Secretaries; Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment; Mr. Decha Prukpattanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Captain Saroj Komkai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare; Ms. Marasri Jairangsee, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office; and Ms. Kanjana Phulkaew, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, along with other senior officials.
The center integrates cooperation from agencies under the Ministry of Labour, including:
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Department of Labour Protection and Welfare: Providing consultations on labour rights, outstanding wages, compensation, and other benefits.
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Social Security Office: Verifying entitlements and processing financial assistance claims for insured workers.
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Department of Employment: Coordinating with insurance companies and liaising with home countries in cases involving foreign workers.
Additionally, the ministry has assigned Burmese and Cambodian interpreters to be on-site at all times to ensure that foreign workers receive accurate and clear information.
Mr. Phiphat also visited the field medical unit, where Dr. Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, was overseeing medical care for the injured. He also met with the families of missing workers, offering his support and listening to their concerns.
The minister assured them that the Ministry of Labour is committed to providing full support for all workers, both those covered by social security and those outside the system. “Please remain hopeful—we will get through this together,” he stated.
Mr. Phiphat also urged families of missing workers to provide DNA samples to aid in the identification of deceased victims. Currently, 12 fatalities (5 women and 7 men) have been reported. “Our top priority is the lives of survivors. We want to find them as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister has instructed all relevant agencies to expedite their efforts, and international rescue teams from China and the United States have already arrived to assist in the operations,” he added.
Workers or members of the public in need of assistance from the Ministry of Labour can contact the Labour Ministry Hotline at 1506, press 9 (available 24/7).
