Mr. Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Labor, chaired the 6th/2025 meeting of the Foreign Workers Policy Committee (FMP) at the Prof. Nikom Chandrawithu Meeting Room on the 5th floor of the Ministry of Labor Building. Mr. Surasit Nithivuthiworarak, Secretary to the Minister of Labor, Mr. Samaporn Pathamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labor, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, and Captain Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, were also in attendance. Representatives from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Public Health, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the National Security Council, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, were also present. The meeting took place at a time when many sectors are facing a persistent shortage of foreign workers, particularly due to the inability of Cambodian workers to enter Thailand under the MOU system, while some existing workers are gradually returning to their countries of origin. This has resulted in businesses in various industries struggling to maintain a sufficient workforce.

The Ministry of Labor is currently allowing businesses nationwide to submit their foreign worker requests. This information will be used to support the systematic development of support measures. Initial estimates suggest that, if the process can be implemented smoothly and consistently, approximately 42,000 new workers will be available within one to two months, which will partially alleviate labor shortages in the industrial, service, and agricultural sectors. "This initiative not only alleviates short-term labor shortages, but also provides an opportunity to legally organize existing foreign workers into the system and expand access to foreign workers from other countries to suit Thai businesses," said Mr. Pongkawin.

Regarding the outcome of the NBTC meeting, the meeting discussed and agreed in principle to prepare for the registration of foreign workers from four nationalities: Cambodian, Laotian, Burmese, and Vietnamese, who reside in Thailand but do not yet have proper work status. Clear conditions for their stay and work will be established to ensure orderly entry into the system within the legal framework. The meeting also approved the Ministry of Labor's pilot project to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sri Lanka. This paves the way for the importation of labor from these countries. The plan is to import 10,000 workers, which will provide businesses with more options for workforce management.

Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, stated that the Department will expedite the proposal to the Cabinet for consideration at the National Employment Council meeting. If approved, the Department will expedite the drafting of announcements from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor, as well as the issuance of related announcements to ensure that eligible workers can legally enter the system. The Ministry of Labor urges all businesses to closely monitor the news via the Department of Employment website (www.doe.go.th), or for further inquiries, contact provincial employment offices nationwide, the Ministry of Labor hotline (1506, press 2), or the Department of Employment hotline (1694).

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