On May 18, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor, revealed that Labor Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn expressed concern for worker families facing financial burdens during the school term start. To assist, the Ministry is promoting the “Pan Sook” Loan Project, aimed at improving workers’ quality of life. Funded by the Labor Fund, the program offers loans through cooperatives or credit unions in workplaces or state enterprises, with a maximum of 10 million baht per borrower, interest rates of 0.5%–1.5% annually, and a 3-year repayment period. Applications are open now until August 1.
Additionally, the Fund for Home-Based Workers allows freelancers to borrow up to 50,000 baht individually or up to 300,000 baht as a group to support their livelihoods.
Mr. Phumiphat also noted that the minister is concerned about travel safety for students and parents, especially due to frequent accident reports. The Department of Labor Protection and Welfare has been directed to closely coordinate with the Department of Land Transport. Local officials have been organizing meetings with transport operators and employers of non-regular transport services to discuss safety guidelines and ensure proper vehicle conditions, driver qualifications, and safe travel routes. As of April 30, meetings have been held in 39 provinces and 5 areas in Bangkok, involving 221 transport operators. Additional meetings are planned for 37 more provinces and 5 Bangkok areas in May.
“Minister Pipat remains attentive to the well-being of workers, employers, and their families. Those interested in applying for the Pan Sook Loan can contact the Labor Welfare Division, Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, at 02-660-2180. For the home-based worker loan, contact any provincial employment office,” said Mr. Phumiphat.