On July 2, 2021, Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin welcomed the President of the Thai SME Federation, Mr. Saengchai Teerakulvanich, and his team, on the occasion of meeting to thank and encourage the Labour Minister. The parties also discussed measures to help SMEs affected by COVID-19, acknowledged the Ministry of Labour’s policies and guidelines to present information for solving the problems of small and medium enterprise entrepreneurs. This will be a way to build cooperation in driving solutions together. Advisor to the Labour Minister Mrs. Thiwalrat Angkinan, the Labour Minister’s Secretariat Mr. Suthep Chitayawong, Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachat Supamongkol from the Office of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson (on politics) Mrs. Theanrat Nawamawat, and the Ministry of Labour’s executives, also joined the occasion at the Chatumongkol Meeting Room, 6th floor, Ministry of Labour.
Mr. Suchart said that Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha is concerned about SME entrepreneurs from the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, he has issued various measures to help and support SME businesses to be able to continue, to comply with the measures to open the country within 120 days, to support the speedy recovery of the business sector. The Ministry of Labour has measures to remedy employees from the impact of COVID-19, including proactive screening to bring infected people to treatment and vaccinations for Section 33 insured persons. The Ministry of Labour also cares for employees from the closure of worker camps from force majeure by paying 50 percent of wages for one month in the six dark red provinces following the announcement of the CCSA. It also supports employment opportunities and promotion of upskill/reskill for workers to align skills according to the needs of entrepreneurs.
“According to the Social Security Office, at present, there are 439,000 SMEs with nearly 10 million employees, which is the majority of the country’s workforce. SMEs will generate a lot of income and drives the country’s economy. Today, the discussion between the public and private sectors is to support cooperation so that small entrepreneurs and businesses can move forward,” said concluded Mr. Suchart.
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Division of Public Relations
2 July 2021
