Bangkok: The Chamber of Commerce has initiated discussions with the Minister of Labor to propose the establishment of a Labor Protection Committee aimed at addressing labor issues in Thailand comprehensively. This proposal seeks to develop strategies for managing foreign workers, tackling human trafficking, and expediting the announcement of wage rates based on skill standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, along with key figures like Mr. Viboon Suphakrapongkul, Mr. Thawatchai Setthachinda, and Mr. Amorntep Thaweephanich, engaged in discussions with Mr. Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Labor, and other senior executives at the Ministry of Labor. The meeting focused on integrating the policies of the private sector to address Thailand's labor challenges.
Dr. Poj emphasized the decade-long collaboration between the Ministry of Labor and the private sector, notably the Thai Chamber of Commerce, in addressing labor issues. Despite economic volatility caused by geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in tourism, particularly affecting the supply chain of tourism and service industries, the proposal includes forming a Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Labor (JPCL).
The Chamber's policy emphasizes adherence to the minimum wage policy as per the Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541 and collaboration with the private sector to manage foreign labor and combat human trafficking using Good Labor Practices (GLP). Currently, 29,688 private sectors have adopted GLP, improving the quality of over 2.2 million employees, thereby enhancing Thailand's image in the Trafficking in Persons Report.
The proposal also includes accelerating the announcement of wage rates according to national labor skill standards, expanding covered fields to address the labor shortage, and promoting the policy of replacement labor involving conscripted soldiers, the disabled, and the elderly. Furthermore, the Chamber plans to advance academic cooperation in labor skill development with the Department of Skill Development and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
The Minister of Labor has accepted the Chamber's proposal to establish a Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Labor (JPC) to further discuss the details with relevant agencies.
Dr. Poj also announced plans for the Thailand - China Cooperation Expo 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The event aims to foster employment opportunities and strengthen labor and skill development cooperation between the two countries.