Bangkok: Thai workers in Japan have been confirmed safe following a recent earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, has ensured that no Thai workers have been impacted and has directed the Thai Embassy in Japan to maintain vigilant oversight of the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Amornvivat expressed the Ministry of Labour's concern for Thai workers abroad, particularly in light of the recent seismic event. Reports from labour organizations and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka indicate that, as of July 30, 2026, the Labour Offices in Japan have communicated with 22 labour-receiving organizations and employers. They have successfully confirmed the safety of 187 Thai workers, all of whom remain uninjured and able to continue their work without disruption. Additionally, no workplaces have sustained damage severe enough to prevent workers from performing their duties. The Labour Offices in Japan will persist in monitoring developments through these organizations to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the workers.
Mr. Chulaphan highlighted the responsibility of employers to evacuate Thai workers to safe locations in case of emergencies, as stipulated in employment contracts. Should workers be unable to continue their employment in Japan, the employers are accountable for covering the costs of repatriating the workers to Thailand.
To enhance safety measures, the Ministry of Labour urges all Thai workers abroad to utilize the SMART TOEA application. This tool records the location of workers' residences or workplaces, facilitating timely assistance from the Ministry, the Embassy, and related agencies during emergencies.
Thai workers in Japan requiring assistance can reach out via the following 24-hour contact options:
- Emergency Hotline: +81 (0) 80-3153-9700 and +81 (0) 90-6537-0340
- Line IDs: labourhotline1 and labourhotline2
- Facebook Inbox: Thai Labour Office in Japan.