Following severe flooding in the Southern provinces, Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul has initiated policies for all affiliated units to provide immediate assistance to those in urgent need. The Ministry of Labour’s measures for those affected by the flooding, implemented by the Institute of Skills Development in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwas, includes provision of 6-wheeler trucks to relocate residents to a safer facility temporarily. Car maintenance services and food distribution is also provided to the people, in collaboration with the Red Cross society in each affected province. After the flooding subsides, professional training in vehicle, electronic appliance and farming equipment maintenance will be provided. Affected employees from several organizations have requested employers to allow days off, without deducting vacation days. A survey will be conducted on workers’ situations after the flood, measuring how many workers are unable to work in the same area or have demands to work in certain professions. This information will used to prepare relevant vacancies or independent careers within the same or surrounding area after the flooding. For insurers, the Ministry of Labour will help alleviate distress by reducing employee contributions to 3 percent, without compromising compensation and benefits.
Today (6 January 2017), Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul visited Narathiwas province with Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha’s committee, to distribute emergency kits and give words of encouragement to the people.
“Those who are affected by the floods can seek assistance from the Ministry of Labour by contacting affiliated units at the provincial labour offices, provincial employment offices, provincial labour protection and welfare offices, provincial skills development centers/institutes and provincial social security offices nationwide. People can also request further details at the Department of Employment’s 1694 hotline, the Social Security Office’s 1506 hotline and the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare’s 1546 hotline,” said the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
6 January 2017
