The TAT Governor, Cherry Khemupsorn, and Mint Archporn won awards along with 30 outstanding working women, honouring the role of women in driving the economy, workforce, and society. The Ministry of Labour pushes for 120-day maternity leave rights and the opening of a female worker advisory center.
On February 21, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, gave a press conference, presenting the award for “Outstanding Working Women on International Women’s Day 2025.” Mr. Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant to the Labour Minister, Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serving at the Ministry of Labour, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, the Department of Employment’s Director-General, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, joined the occasion. The event was organized by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, which selected 30 outstanding working women of the year. The women included role models from various fields, selected as inspiration for women workers nationwide. The awards honoured exceptional women in every industry, such as Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT (Outstanding Female State Enterprise Executive), Cherry Khemupsorn, actress (Outstanding Female Artist), Mint Orathai, news anchor of Thairath TV (Outstanding Female Media), and Sakulrat Yosruangsak, President of ETA Labour Union (Outstanding Female Labour Relations Network). The Ministry of Labour strives to enhance the rights of women workers and push for the draft of the Labour Protection Act (No. ..) B.E. …, increasing female workers’ rights to maternity leave for 120 days, with 60 days of pay, and giving male employees the right to 15 days of leave to assist their spouses who have given birth, with 100% pay. For the benefit of insured persons, the Social Security Act B.E. 2533 has been amended to increase the compensation for time off work for childbirth from 90 days to 98 days and the establishment of a female worker advisory center. In 2025, this will be piloted in 10 provinces in industrial areas. In addition, applications are being accepted for female worker advisors in business establishments to act as mentors or as a source of support for female workers who are experiencing issues at work and are unable to find a way out on their own. It also serves as a network for the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare in protecting, caring for, and developing the quality of life of female workers.
Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, continued that the Outstanding Working Women of 2025 will help promote the role of women in the workforce by expanding opportunities to participate in driving labour policies and being an essential force in expanding the network of female workers in workplaces. The selection of 30 Outstanding Working Women of 2025 was made from women with proven achievements and are role models in developing the workforce, society, and the environment in all sectors nationwide. The award ceremony will be held under the concept of “Women’s Power, Creating Valuable Work, Developing an Eco-Friendly Economy” on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Lak Si District, Bangkok.
“The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare is committed to creating opportunities, equality, welfare, and a good quality of life for female workers nationwide,” said Director-General Saroj.
