On 1 – 2 December 2009, Mr. Phaithoon Kaeothong, Minister of Labour of Thailand and Senior Officials from Ministry of Labour of Thailand paid a visit to Singapore to meet Thai workers and discuss with Singaporen authorities concerned on the current situation of foreign workers employment and related policy.

Upon arrival, Minister Phaithoon visited nearly 300 Thai workers, who have been employed by the construction company involved in the upgrading of at Changi International Airport Terminal 1. On this occasion, Minister Phaithoon, Vice Minister Yuph Nana, Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool, Permanent Secretary Somchai Choomrat also distributed booklet for Thai nationals living in Singapore and some Thai food to the workers.

On 2 December 2009 , Mr. Andre Khng, President of the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL) called on Minister Phaithoon to discuss on the demand and employment of Thai workers in Singapore construction industry. Later, Minister Phaithoon paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Gan Kim Yong, Minister of Manpower of Singapore. Both Ministers exchanged of views and best practices on labour management policy such as skills development and training, measures to tackle domestic unemployment problem during the economic crisis, and foreign workers management. Minister Phaithoon informed his counterpart that development of skills of Thai workers is high priority to meet the demand of the market. In addition, Minister Gan also briefed Minister Phaithoon on Singapore foreign workers employment policy and the contribution of foreign workers to Singapore economy.

Minister Phaithoon concluded his visit to Singapore by attending the 27th Conference of the Federation of ASEAN Engineering Organizations (AFEO) to receive the Honourary AFEO Award.