Skilled Thai workers are in demand with prospective Saudi Arabian employers, said Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin who is currently in Saudi Arabia for talks over the implementation of a labour cooperation agreement between Thailand and the Gulf state.
The minister was speaking after a meeting with Ajlan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ajlan, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the board of directors of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
"The council expressed its appreciation towards the hard-working nature of skilled Thai workers and their high work ethic, which makes them particularly popular with employers in Saudi Arabia," Mr Suchart said.
The council also pledged to support moves to take more Thai workers to Saudi Arabia which is part of an effort to facilitate more trade and investment between the two nations, he said.
The council plays a crucial role in supporting Saudi Arabia's trade and investment cooperation activities with both public and private partners, said the minister. Formed in March 1980 and headquartered in Riyadh, the council is the official federation for the 26 Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Suchart also said Thailand's permanent secretary for labour will visit Smasco, a key Saudi recruitment company, to observe the company's procedure in handling the import of foreign labourers ahead of the implementation of the labour cooperation agreement.
The Saudis want foreign workers, particularly in such industries as healthcare, manufacturing and construction, he said.