There is still a demand for Thai chefs overseas, especially in Germany where there are more than 600 Thai restaurants, Labour Minister Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkeo says.
He was speaking during a trip to Germany, in which he met Thai food business operators in Hausach.
"Other than passing a standard cooking test, it is very important for Thai chefs to acquire sufficient foreign language skills to communicate effectively with their customers," he said.
To ensure high standards among Thai workers in foreign hospitality businesses, the ministry is now organising professional certification for Thai workers already living overseas.
The ministry this year aims to certify about 200 workers in four fields, namely Thai cooking, Thai massage, western spa and Thai Sappaya treatments, he said.
Thai Sappaya is a combination of Thai traditional massage and Thai-style spa treatments.
Prior to the test, he said, attending workers are given a preparatory course, which is aimed at sharpening participants' language skills, knowledge about the local labour laws and how to operate a business in those countries.
Chefs who have already passed previous tests were found to now earn about 10,000 baht more a month on average than their uncertified colleagues, said the minister.
During the trip, Pol Gen Adul had talks with the mayor of Hausach on various subjects including career advancement for Thai workers and how both workers and operators of Thai restaurants can improve their skills.
