ส.อ.ท. เข้าพบ รมว.แรงงาน หารือแก้ปัญหาขาดแคลนแรงงานภาคอุตสาหกรรมFTI Meets Minister of Labour to Discuss Solutions for Labour Shortages in the Industrial Sector

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), led by Dr. Darat Wipataraklas, Vice President of FTI, along with Ms. Arovan Sirivorasanti, Executive Committee of FTI, and the Vice President of the Labour Sector, Mr. Apichai Techanitwasana, Executive Committee of FTI, Mr. Pipat Ruksahakull, President of the Eastern Region Industry Council, Mr. Suthilak Khumkrrongrak, President of the Trat Provincial Industry Council, and Mr. Kittiwut Sasivimolphan, President of the Chonburi Provincial Industry Council, met with Ms. Trinuch Thiengthong, Minister of Labour, at the Jatumongkol Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour.

The purpose of this visit was to express congratulations on the Minister of Labour's official assumption of office, as well as to exchange views and opinions regarding the labour situation in the industrial sector, which is a crucial factor in driving the country's economy, especially in the eastern region, a significant hub for industry and agriculture in Thailand.

FTI stated that there is a severe shortage of fruit harvesting labour in the eastern region due to the lack of Cambodian workers. The organization requested the Ministry to consider important issues including:

• The draft Labour Protection Act and recommendations from the private sector to align the law with the current industrial context.
• The problem of a shortage of specialized labour, particularly for fruit harvesting in the eastern region, which is impacting agricultural production and the supply chain of the continuous industry.
• Permitting the importation of workers from Myanmar, Laos, and other countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to replace the labour shortages in the industrial sector.
• Guidelines for regulating recruitment agencies to ensure standards and reduce impacts on operators.
• Resolving the frequent failures of the online labour registration system.

Additionally, FTI submitted a letter expressing opinions on the draft Labour Act, which gathered feedback from provincial industry councils across the country.

The Minister of Labour acknowledged the proposals and issues raised and expressed readiness to cooperate with FTI to explore solutions and support the smooth operation of the industrial sector under an appropriate and modern labour management system.