On Saturday 2 April 2011, 11.10-11.50 am, Mr. Thawat Sumitmor, Charge’ d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, along with Mr. Anachack Sutayon, Minister Counselor (Labour Affairs) and Mrs. Maimun Mamin, local official from Office of Labour Affairs in Brunei, paid a courtesy call on Datuk Peduka Awang Sabari Haji Abas, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior of Brunei.
During a meeting, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior of Brunei discussed with his counterparts about cordial relations between Thailand and Brunei, especially on the royal family level. Recently the Queen of Brunei has paid a visit to Thailand to attend ASEAN Summit and H.R.H. Princes Maha Charkri Siridhon has also been to Brunei before. He also praised the beauty of Thai tradition and culture that Thai people has preserved for a long period of time. He said Thailand is technically sophisticated in growing high quality rice, which is liked by Brunei people. Other issues that were discussed in the meeting were the well recognition of Thai architecture’s skill in Brunei, bilateral cooperation in trade, construction, and fisheries.
Furthermore, Office of Labour Affairs in Brunei briefed the Minister on latest development of 6 vocational training programs aimed at bringing Thai vocational students to receive training from Brunei entrepreneurs. It said students will receive allowance, accommodation, 3 meals, and 24-hours accident insurance during the initial stage. The programs have progressed rapidly. Eleven Thai students from several intuitions in Khonkaen (8 students from Phon Industrial and Community Education College, 1 from Nam Phong Vocational Institute, and 2 From Khonkean College of Agriculture and Technology) are now waiting for the authorization of Brunei immigration office to enter the country. They are specialized in mechanic, finance, and agriculture (flowering and ornamental plans). Once approved, they will be allowed to stay in the country for 6 months. This will represent an important step for Thai youth in their career path. Office of Labour Affairs in Brunei would like to make a request for Brunei authority to aid Thai students on the matter and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior of Brunei promises to facilitate the process.
On this occasion, the Charge’d’ Affaires and Minister Counselor (Labour Affairs) expressed their appreciation to Brunei authorities, especially to the immigration office for having always treated Thai workers and Thai people, who have broken Brunei’s laws in a sympathized manner.
After the meeting, the Charge’d’ Affaires gave a silky necktie and a set of silk cloth for women dress (from Khonkean) to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior of Brunei.
Ministry of Interior of Brunei has responsibility to oversee labour and immigration issues, which is directly related to the mission of Office of Labour Affairs and Consular Office of the Royal Thai Embassy.
Thai delegations join forces to drive forward national economy and labour skill development.
