Thailand seeks more labor quotas in New Zealand FTA

Prachachat•Politics•4d ago

Reader Briefing

The Thai government is negotiating to increase labor quotas and reduce English language requirements for Thai workers in New Zealand through a Free Trade Agreement.

•Julapun Amornvivat plans to negotiate increased quotas for Thai agricultural workers, chefs, and massage therapists in New Zealand.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeo attributes the success of visits to Australia and New Zealand to trust and rapport between leaders.
•The Ministry of Labour proposes lowering English language requirements from academic levels to basic communication for specific roles.

Overview

•Sihasak Phuangketkeo stated that Thailand's status in the global arena has improved, building confidence among various nations.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeo noted that trust between leaders was a key factor in successful negotiations in Australia and New Zealand.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeo emphasized the government's commitment to 'diplomacy for the people' to protect and strengthen Thai communities abroad.
•Julapun Amornvivat stated that strong leadership relations with Australia and New Zealand act as keys for the private sector and citizens to access opportunities.
•Julapun Amornvivat noted that there are currently approximately 7,800 Thai seasonal workers in the New Zealand agricultural sector per year.
•The Ministry of Labour will propose incorporating labor issues into the improvement of the existing Free Trade Agreement to increase quotas.
•The Ministry of Labour intends to reduce English language restrictions for agricultural workers, chefs, and massage therapists to basic communication levels.
•Julapun Amornvivat emphasized that increasing labor numbers must be paired with systematic care for rights, safety, and quality of life.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Sihasak Phuangketkeo

"The key to current foreign policy is not only the policy itself, but the role and relationship between national leaders."

หัวใจสำคัญของการดำเนินนโยบายต่างประเทศในปัจจุบันไม่ได้อยู่ที่ตัวนโยบายเพียงอย่างเดียว แต่อยู่ที่บทบาทและความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างผู้นำประเทศ

Key Entities

Person

Julapun Amornvivat(จุลพันธ์ อมรวิวัฒน์)ℹ️

Minister of Labour of Thailand

Sihasak Phuangketkeo(สีหศักดิ์ พวงเกตุแก้ว)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

Organization

Ministry of Labour(กระทรวงแรงงาน)ℹ️

The Thai government ministry responsible for negotiating labor quotas and protections in New Zealand.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs(กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ)ℹ️

The Thai government ministry focused on strengthening Thai communities abroad.

Place

New Zealand(นิวซีแลนด์)ℹ️

A country that is a key labor market for Thai workers and a party to a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand.

Australia(ออสเตรเลีย)ℹ️

A country visited by the Thai government where leadership relations contributed to successful negotiations.

Policy

Free Trade Agreement(ความตกลงการค้าเสรี)ℹ️

The agreement the Ministry of Labour intends to improve to increase labor quotas for Thais in New Zealand.