Chulaphan discussed with the Italian Ambassador to accelerate labor cooperation and promote an MOU on the movement of Thai workers to Italy.
At 9:30 a.m. on 18 June 2026, Mr. Chulaphan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labour, welcomed Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Thailand, on the occasion of his courtesy visit and official discussions. Also present were Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment; Mr. Smas Patmasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Mr. Sakdinat Sonthisak-yothin, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; Ms. Yanika Thienthong from the Office of the Prime Minister Secretariat, assigned to the Ministry of Labour; Ms. Thidarat Yingcharoen and Ms. Boonyakorn Damrongrat, advisors to the Minister of Labour. The meeting was held at the Jatumongkol Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building.
On this occasion, Ambassador Paolo Dionisi expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendirathepvaradhi, Krom Luang Rajsarinisiri Patchra Mahavajraratchathida.
The purpose of the meeting was to congratulate Mr. Chulaphan on assuming his position and to strengthen labor cooperation between the two countries. Key topics included sending Thai workers to Italy. The Minister of Labour thanked Italy for including Thailand in the list of countries granted quotas under the Flows Decree 2026-2028, allowing foreign workers in sectors such as agriculture, tourism services, restaurants, and healthcare. Thailand confirmed its readiness to support skilled and seasonal workers to contribute to Italy’s economy. Regarding the MOU, both sides discussed progress on drafting a memorandum on migration and labor mobility between Thailand and Italy to promote legal employment and increase special quotas for Thai workers.
The Thai Ministry of Labour is expediting the establishment of a working group to consider the MOU draft, following information from Italy about reviewing new policies and exchanging best practices. Thailand expressed interest in learning best practices concerning technical institutions, dual-track education systems, workplace occupational safety and health standards, and Italy’s Right to Disconnect law. Additionally, the Minister requested Italy’s support in advancing Thailand’s policy to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), coordinating with the European Union and OECD.
In closing, Mr. Chulaphan thanked the Italian Ambassador for the constructive discussions and expressed confidence that they would lead to closer cooperation, especially in the systematic movement of Thai workers to Italy under the established quotas.