Also, the Marine Department held a meeting on developing ports and tourism across six Andaman provinces.
Labour Minister Mr Phiphat officiated the launch of a welding skills test at the Phuket Skill Development Institute 21, a government vocational skills centre located in the Phuket Fishing Port area east of Phuket Town.
The event aimed to follow the agreement between the government and private sector to help Thai workers gain ‘world-class’ skills, especially for jobs in the marine tourism industry.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and other officials joined the event.
The goal is to prepare them to work in international marine tourism, which is growing fast along the Andaman coast, said an official report of the event.
Mr Phiphat also gave out certificates to graduates of a Thai massage course and gave sewing kits to people who finished a gig worker training course.
Also, 10 welders who had just finished training took part in the two-day test, which concludes today (May 3).
“The Ministry of Labour is working to help Thai workers meet international standards,” Mr Phiphat said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Supachai Jaismut visited Phuket Rajabhat University yesterday (May 2).
He looked at projects by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) that help local businesses, especially in the spa and wellness sector.
“Universities in Phuket are working together with local communities to use research and innovation to support tourism and improve people’s lives,” Mr Supachai said.
On the same day, the Marine Department held a meeting at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket Town to hear public opinions on a plan to develop marine tourism and transport along the Andaman coast.
The meeting was attended by officials, business operators and port managers.
The plan covers six provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Phuket, Trang and Satun. It includes building and improving small community ports and making the region a center for marine travel.
The project is led by several expert groups including Thammasat University. This was the fourth meeting held to collect feedback from local people and businesses.