Thailand sought closer labour cooperation with Italy and Singapore during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, focusing on overseas employment, skills development and social protection.
Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat met Italian Labour and Social Policies Minister Marina Elvira Calderone on Tuesday, accompanied by senior Labour Ministry officials.
During the talks, Mr Julapun welcomed Italy's inclusion of Thailand in its proposed Flows Decree, a framework that could expand legal employment opportunities for Thai workers, particularly in agriculture and other sectors requiring seasonal and regular labour.
He described the move as a good opportunity for Thai workers seeking jobs abroad and urged Italy to support efforts to expedite a labour memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
The ministers also exchanged views on technical and vocational education. Thailand expressed interest in Italy's model linking technical institutes, universities and local businesses, as well as its dual-track education system. Workplace safety and occupational health standards were also discussed.
Mr Julapun also requested Italy's support for Thailand's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
In a separate meeting, Mr Julapun held talks with Singapore's Manpower Minister Tan See Leng to strengthen labour cooperation. He thanked Singapore for supporting and protecting more than 5,000 Thai workers employed in the city-state.
Discussions focused on Singapore's Central Provident Fund system and its foreign worker levy scheme. Mr Julapun said Thailand was interested in Singapore's experience in managing retirement savings and investment funds as part of efforts to modernise the country's social security system.
