On May 11, 2022, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswon, assigned the Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, as co-chair to deliver opening remarks at the Labour and Social Protection Network (LSPN) conference. The meeting was held under “Shaping Smart Citizens with Digitalization and Eco-Friendly Awareness.” It emphasized the skill development of workers, adapting to the changing world of jobs, labour market volatility due to challenges, including COVID-19 and technological changes, awareness of environmental importance, and the integration of gender in labour policy. Seventy representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Labour and the APEC Economic Area attended the meeting in a mixed form. The event is hosted from May 11-12, 2022, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
This year, Mr. Samat said that the LSPN meeting emphasized the importance of an adaptive workforce with the skills and knowledge suited to the flexible future working conditions. Because it is well known that digital technology has changed the labour market. It also focuses on the nature of the work, which makes skill development and training necessary for workers to maintain their employability. For example, digital technology is also being used more and more due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, businesses and workers have to adapt to working patterns that rely more on technology.
The Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour added that it is necessary to develop skills and training systems to effectively respond to the changing world of work. Still, proactive and constructive labour policies are equally important in tackling challenges in the labour market. Technology and innovation can help us improve, collect and analyze more data. This will allow better forecasting of labour market trends and improve labour policies and strategies. It is important to highlight the need to ensure that workers are doing a good job and receive social protection. As challenges in the labour market develop, we cannot leave anyone behind, especially vulnerable groups such as informal workers, women workers, and workers with disabilities. Social protection policies must advance with the challenges that arise and respond to policies that require flexibility and adaptability to the changes.
“We are committed to promoting a strong and resilient labour market and enhancing good social protection to deal with human resource development throughout the APEC Economic Area. I believe that we can create dynamism and sustainability together,” concluded Mr. Samat.
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Division of Public Relations
11 May 2022
