The Cabinet approved Thailand joining the global network promoting “labor rights, fair wages, and decent work,” accepted Thailand as host of the ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting, and also approved extending the fishing vessel decommissioning program until 30 September 2026 to alleviate hardship.
On 25 August 2026, Captain Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the Cabinet approved Thailand’s entry into the Global Coalition for Social Justice, with the Ministry of Labor as the lead agency representing the Thai government under the International Labour Organization (ILO) framework.
This network was established by the ILO to promote social justice, reduce inequality, and support sustainable development. It focuses on labor-related issues such as labor rights, fair wages, access to work and social protection, sufficient employment for livelihoods, and dialogue among government, employers, and workers. Thailand’s participation will enable knowledge exchange with international partners and help develop policies aligned with changes in the world of work, including digital technology, automation, the green economy, and new employment patterns.
Meanwhile, Thailand is hosting the 29th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting (ALMM) and related meetings from 23–28 August 2026 in Bangkok. Under the theme “Advancing ASEAN Human Capital: Skill Certification towards Global Recognition,” the meetings aim to promote internationally recognized skill certifications to enhance workers’ opportunities in broader labor markets and help businesses access appropriately skilled workers.
This global and ASEAN-level cooperation will enable Thailand to help shape labor collaboration directions, prepare workers with market-relevant skills, and promote appropriate rights and protections suited to the modern world of work. The Minister of Labor is scheduled to sign the confirmation letter for Thailand’s membership in the Global Coalition for Social Justice on 26 August 2026 during the 29th ALMM, with the Ministry of Labor continuing as the main implementing agency.
Extension of the “Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Program” until 30 September 2026.
Captain Phatdarasmi also revealed that the Cabinet approved extending the fishing vessel decommissioning program, aimed at sustainable marine fishery resource management, until 30 September 2026 (within fiscal year 2026). The original one-year program ended on 2 March 2026. This extension assists seven vessel owners who wish to decommission their boats but could not complete dismantling, destruction, or reclassification by the original deadline. Overall, the program targets 923 vessels, with compensation paid for 782, seven awaiting extension, and 134 not eligible for compensation.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson emphasized that this extension does not affect the budget or require additional funding. It continues to use the previously approved budget of 1,622.61 million baht from 3 March 2025. The extension helps protect the rights and fairness for compliant fishermen and balances the commercial fishing fleet to align with marine resource availability, supporting sustainable marine resource use.
Approval of an MOU between Thailand and Singapore to expand cooperation on social development and welfare.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development to promote social development cooperation. The MOU focuses on exchanging information, knowledge, experience, policies, and practices between the two countries’ agencies in social welfare, community development, child development and protection, as well as personnel exchanges, study visits, training, meetings, and joint seminars.
Regarding child issues, the MOU allows both countries to exchange knowledge and experience on early childhood development during the critical first 1,000 days of life and approaches to child development and protection. This exchange aims to adapt and apply insights to develop policies and social services suited to each country’s context.
Both sides will support personnel exchanges and academic activities such as training, study visits, meetings, and seminars to enhance knowledge and experience. They will promote learning of welfare and social development practices to sustain ongoing cooperation. A joint working group will be established to plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate activities, meeting at least once a year or as appropriate.
This cooperation mechanism enables Thailand and Singapore to exchange experiences and approaches in social development, especially in child development and protection including care during the first 1,000 days of life, to apply appropriate knowledge to advance Thailand’s social work. The MOU signing is planned for 6 September 2026 during the 6th Thailand-Singapore Leaders’ Meeting, marking a key outcome of bilateral cooperation.