Unofficial English Translation of Cabinet Approves Revised Thailand–Myanmar Labour MoU and Employment Agreement
Cabinet Approves Revised Thailand–Myanmar Labour MoU and Employment Agreement
To promote legal migrant labour recruitment, protect workers’ rights, prevent human trafficking, and address illegal employment.
On 5 August 2026, Capt. Patdarasami Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Cabinet had approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and the Agreement on Employment of Workers between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Cabinet also authorized the Minister of Labour to sign both documents. The revised agreements are intended to update the labour cooperation framework between the two countries to reflect current circumstances and strengthen the lawful management of migrant workers.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson said Thailand and Myanmar have cooperated on labour migration since 2016, using the MoU and Employment Agreement as mechanisms for the legal recruitment and deployment of Myanmar workers to Thailand. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the situation within Myanmar, both sides agreed to revise the two documents to ensure they remain relevant and to improve the continuity and effectiveness of bilateral labour management.
Under the revised MoU on Labour Cooperation, the labour ministries of both countries will serve as the main coordinating agencies. Cooperation will be expanded in the areas of labour market information exchange, Development of workforce skills, knowledge and expert exchange, as well as the prevention of illegal employment and human trafficking. The MoU also provides for joint action plans and regular progress review meetings to ensure coordinated implementation and effective problem-solving.
The revised Agreement on Employment of Workers establishes clear employment procedures covering worker recruitment and deployment, employment contracts, pre-departure preparation, work permit issuance, protection of workers’ rights under the laws of the receiving country, dispute resolution, and repatriation upon completion of employment contracts. The agreement also outlines cooperation to prevent irregular migration, human trafficking, and illegal employment, ensuring fair protection for workers while allowing employers to recruit workers through legal channels.
According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, the revised MoU and Employment Agreement will help make the recruitment and employment of migrant workers between Thailand and Myanmar more systematic. Workers will receive legal protection and enjoy their rights, while employers will have greater access to labour through lawful recruitment channels. The measures are expected to reduce irregular migration, illegal employment, and human trafficking, improve Thailand’s migrant labour management standards, support sectors with ongoing labour demand, and create long-term benefits for workers, employers, and both countries.
Source Link : https://www.thaigov.go.th/th/news/167248