BANGKOK, Thailand, 28 August 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia and Thailand have agreed in principle to review their 2003 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation to establish a more modern framework that responds to current economic needs, worker welfare standards and the recruitment and placement of Thai workers in Malaysia.
The agreement was reached during a high-level bilateral meeting between Human Resources Minister Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan and his Thai counterpart, Julapun Amornvivat, on the sidelines of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM).
Both countries also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in addressing shared labour challenges and enhance safer, more transparent, efficient and fair labour mobility.
To implement the agreement, working-level officials from both countries will hold joint technical meetings to discuss specific clauses and finalise a new MoU.
Dato’ Sri Ramanan also proposed a TVET student exchange programme involving industrial training placements with Malaysian skills training institutions such as ADTEC JTM in relevant industries.
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Julapun, meanwhile, reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to working closely with Malaysia to ensure orderly and responsible labour migration pathways.
Among the measures discussed was the expansion of pre-departure health screening services for Thai workers to additional local hospitals by the relevant Malaysian authorities, such as FOMEMA.
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) said it would continue strengthening labour relations with countries in the region through dialogue, expertise sharing and policy coordination for the well-being of workers and shared prosperity.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Human Resources, the bilateral engagement reflects Malaysia and Thailand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation on labour matters and improving regional workforce mobility. – The Capital Post
