Thailand hosts ASEAN labour ministers in Bangkok

Bangkok — Thailand is hosting the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting and related gatherings from August 23-28, with regional labor officials concentrating on skills development and equipping workers for an evolving job market. The conference is taking place under the theme "Advancing ASEAN Human Capital: Skill Certification towards Global Recognition," underscoring efforts to ensure workers' skills and qualifications gain broader international acknowledgment.

On August 25, the Cabinet endorsed Thailand's involvement in an international network for collaboration on social justice through the International Labour Organization (ILO), with the Ministry of Labour taking the lead. The Labor Minister will sign a document on August 26, confirming Thailand's participation in the network.

The government asserts that this initiative will enable workers to apply for certified skills across a wider labor market, allowing businesses to locate workers whose qualifications align more closely with their requirements. Furthermore, it will grant Thailand opportunities to share knowledge and labor policies with global partners and contribute to discussions on the future of work, encompassing digital technology, automation, the green economy, and emerging employment forms.

Thailand emphasizes that enhanced cooperation at the ASEAN and international levels will aid in preparing workers for changing labor markets while promoting appropriate labor rights and social protections.