Tokyo: Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, along with a delegation from the Thai Ministry of Labour, engaged in discussions with Mr. Ueno Kenichiro, Japan's Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Tokyo. The meeting focused on enhancing workforce skills and expanding employment opportunities as part of an official visit to Japan by the Thai Ministry of Labour.
According to Thai News Agency, the discussions involved exchanging views on labor cooperation between Thailand and Japan. Mr. Amornvivat congratulated Mr. Ueno Kenichiro on his appointment and reiterated Thailand's commitment to being a partner in providing quality human resources. This follows the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Transit of Workers under the ESD system signed by Thailand and Japan on June 2, 2026, marking Thailand as the first country to sign such an agreement with Japan. The cooperation aims to develop and promote the skills of Thai workers in Japanese language, professional skills, and specific skills to meet the future demands of the Japanese labor market, and includes exchanging information to prevent fraud and protect the rights of Thai workers in Japan.
The Thai Minister emphasized the government's policy of enhancing workforce potential through programs like "Financed Education, Guaranteed Job," along with upskilling and reskilling initiatives to adapt to industrial changes. The minister also affirmed Thailand's readiness to promote skilled and specialized workers into the Japanese labor market in line with the needs of Japanese businesses.
Further discussions highlighted promoting the orderly coexistence of foreign workers in Japan, preventing illegal employment, and protecting the rights and welfare of Thai workers. Both sides agreed on cooperation to prevent labor exploitation and human trafficking, ensuring appropriate protection for Thai workers in Japan.
In addition, the Thai Minister extended an invitation to the Japanese Minister to attend the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers' Meeting in Thailand from August 23-28, 2026, to promote regional labor cooperation. The Japanese Minister is considering the invitation and will inform the Thai Ministry of Labour of his decision.