Labor Ministry Deploys 597 Thai Workers Abroad to Build Income and Gain Experience
Thailand sent 597 workers abroad for jobs in South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, and Japan, with the Labor Ministry emphasizing overseas work builds skills and remittances that benefit families and national development.
On May 12, 2026, at the job seeker training center of the Social Security Office Bangkok Area 3, Labor Minister Julphand Amornviwatana met with and encouraged 597 Thai workers preparing to work abroad under the EPS system in South Korea, as well as in Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Amornviwatana stated that the Labor Ministry prioritizes sending Thai workers overseas not only to generate income and remittances, but also to allow them to learn and accumulate experience from abroad—valuable human capital for national development. He emphasized that workers gain knowledge of foreign work practices, technology, culture, and lifestyles to apply upon their return, enabling them to advance their careers and improve their quality of life and that of their families. Many Thai workers have successfully returned to become entrepreneurs with stable businesses.
Of the 597 workers receiving pre-departure training, 220 are headed to South Korea under the EPS system, while 377 are going to other destinations through private employment agencies. Amornviwatana assured workers that the Labor Ministry does not merely send them abroad but also protects their rights and welfare both domestically and internationally, standing ready to assist those facing problems or accidents. He urged them to travel safely and succeed in their work.
According to Somchai Morgadsirivon, Director-General of the Department of Employment, approximately 200,000 Thai workers currently work in 142 countries worldwide, generating roughly 200 billion baht in remittances annually. Major destination countries include Taiwan, Israel, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan. In fiscal year 2026, the Department aims to deploy 130,000 workers, having already sent 69,983 (generating approximately 99.155 billion baht in remittances).
Today's training covered labor law, worker benefits, the SMART TOEA system for monitoring and emergency assistance, and drug screening conducted in cooperation with Thailand's anti-narcotics office to build confidence with destination countries and elevate Thai labor standards to international levels. Interested workers can find job openings at doe.go.th/overseas or contact provincial employment offices, Bangkok employment offices (areas 1-10), or call the hotline 1506 press 2.
