Chulaphan tours Japan to visit "Jasmine Thai," highlighting it as a model of high-standard Thai restaurants and promoting the upgrading of Thai workers abroad. The restaurant serves as an example of excellence while efforts are made to elevate Thai labor overseas.
At 10:30 a.m. on 18 Jul 2026 local time in Japan, Mr. Chulaphan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, led senior officials from the Ministry of Labor on a visit to Tokyo, Japan. The mission was to inspect and discuss with executives of the Thai restaurant "Jasmine Thai" at the Roppongi branch, focusing on enhancing Thai workers’ capabilities and closely monitoring their welfare. Attendees included Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor; Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment; Mr. Samas Patamasukon, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Mr. Somchat Suparree, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Mr. Phiphatchai Paiboon, Ministry of Labor spokesperson (political affairs); Mr. Surakiat Tiangthong, Advisor to the Minister of Labor; Ms. Boonyakorn Damrongrat, Advisor to the Minister of Labor; Ms. Sadudee Kittisuwan, Director of the International Cooperation Coordination Office; and Ms. Panravee Nakpivat, Labor Attaché at the Thai Labor Office in Japan, all participating in discussions at Jasmine Thai, Roppongi branch, Tokyo.
On this occasion, Mr. Chulaphan listened to a business direction presentation from Jasmine Thai’s management. Jasmine Thai is one of the most successful and highly recognized Thai restaurant brands in Japan, operating 11 branches throughout Tokyo. It has been awarded the "Thai Select" certification by the Thai government, a mark that guarantees quality and authentic Thai identity.
Mr. Chulaphan emphasized three main discussion points: 1) the current business situation and trends, exchanging information about the Thai restaurant market in Japan under current regulations and economic conditions; 2) promotion and management of Thai labor, focusing on upskilling workers to meet Japanese employers’ needs, including workforce demand analysis to plan deployment of skilled and legally compliant workers; and 3) inspection and monitoring of worker welfare by reviewing the performance of workers who passed the National Skill Standard Test, inquiring about their living conditions, work environment, access to welfare benefits, and social adaptation in Japan.
Additionally, the mission included discussions with Thai chefs and a ceremony awarding certification to establishments employing workers who passed the National Skill Standard Test at the Gold level. This honored and encouraged employers who value skilled labor.
Mr. Chulaphan concluded by noting Jasmine Thai’s success over more than 22 years as a significant promoter of Thai cuisine and culture in Japan, as well as an important employer of Thai workers. The Ministry of Labor is committed to supporting and caring for Thai workers to ensure a good quality of life and to enable them to bring honor to Thailand on the international stage.
