Sihasak and Julapun push diplomacy and labor goals in New Zealand

Thairath•Politics•4d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo and Labor Minister Julapun Amornvivat promote Thai citizen protection and labor quota expansion in New Zealand.

•Sihasak Phuangketkeo emphasized 'Diplomacy for the People' to protect Thai communities abroad during a visit to Auckland, New Zealand, on August 22, 2026.
•Julapun Amornvivat is negotiating with New Zealand to lower English language requirements for agriculture workers, chefs, and massage therapists from academic to basic communication levels.
•The Ministry of Labor aims to expand the quota for Thai seasonal workers in New Zealand, which currently stands at approximately 7,800 people per year.

Overview

•On August 22, 2026, Sihasak Phuangketkeo attended an activity meeting with the Thai community in Auckland, New Zealand.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeo stated that Thailand's status in the global arena has improved, increasing confidence among various countries.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeo is implementing 'Diplomacy for the People' to strengthen Thai communities abroad and promote knowledge of local laws to prevent problems.
•Julapun Amornvivat noted that the government is focusing on internal unity to handle external uncertainties, such as the government of the United States.
•Approximately 7,800 Thai workers travel to New Zealand annually as seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.
•Julapun Amornvivat plans to integrate labor negotiations into the updating or revamping of an existing Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand.
•Julapun Amornvivat proposes reducing English language requirements to a basic communication level to increase opportunities for Thai workers to enter New Zealand.
•The proposed language requirement reduction aims to create more flexibility in hiring for agricultural workers, chefs, and massage therapists.

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Key Quotes

Sihasak Phuangketkeo

"The heart of current foreign policy implementation does not lie in the policy alone, but in the role and relationship between country leaders."

หัวใจสำคัญของการดำเนินนโยบายต่างประเทศในปัจจุบันไม่ได้อยู่ที่ตัวนโยบายเพียงอย่างเดียว แต่อยู่ที่บทบาทและความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างผู้นำประเทศ

Julapun Amornvivat

"We will take the labor issue to negotiate, combined with updating the old FTA, by integrating the labor matter into it."

เราจะเอาเรื่องแรงงานไปเจรจา รวมกับการอัปเดตตัว FTA เก่า แต่ว่าจะเอาเรื่องแรงงานผนวกเข้าไปด้วย

Key Entities

Person

Sihasak Phuangketkeo(สีหศักดิ์ พวงเกตุแก้ว)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Julapun Amornvivat(จุลพันธ์ อมรวิวัฒน์)ℹ️

Minister of Labor of Thailand.

Organization

Ministry of Foreign Affairs(กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ)ℹ️

The Thai ministry focusing on strengthening Thai communities abroad.

Ministry of Labor(กระทรวงแรงงาน)ℹ️

The Thai ministry negotiating labor quotas and requirements with New Zealand.

ASEAN(อาเซียน)ℹ️

A regional cooperation body mentioned by Julapun Amornvivat.

Place

Auckland(นครโอ๊คแลนด์)ℹ️

The city in New Zealand where Sihasak Phuangketkeo met with the Thai community.

New Zealand(นิวซีแลนด์)ℹ️

A country where the Thai government is negotiating labor quotas and trade agreements.

Australia(ออสเตรเลีย)ℹ️

A major trading partner of Thailand mentioned in the context of leader relations.

United States of America(สหรัฐอเมริกา)ℹ️

A country whose government uncertainty is viewed as an external factor by Julapun Amornvivat.

Policy

Free Trade Agreement(ข้อตกลงการค้าเสรี)ℹ️

The trade agreement being revamped to include labor protections and quotas.

In-depth Diplomacy for the People(การทูตเพื่อประชาชนในเชิงลึก)

A government approach to protect and strengthen Thai citizens living abroad.