Thailand has partnered with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in a groundbreaking initiative to enhance positive work conditions.

The newly signed four-year Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) aims to improve labour market readiness, strengthen social safety nets, and enhance the capabilities of government, businesses, and workers to achieve “decent work” across all dimensions.

At the signing ceremony held recently in Bangkok, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn hailed the DWCP as a crucial step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With collaborative efforts from stakeholders across sectors, Thailand is poised to address labor force challenges, promote sustainable development, and ensure no one is left behind.

Thailand’s demographic shifts and environmental concerns pose significant labor force challenges for the future.

With an aging population and increasing youth participation in education, the DWCP aims to tackle issues of declining labour force participation rates and education-employment mismatches through lifelong learning and enhanced public employment services.

Moreover, it underscores the need for the creation of “green jobs” to foster sustainable development in sectors such as tourism and agriculture as well as improved digital access and skills for greater inclusivity.

Addressing gender inequality in the workforce, discrimination in hiring and wages, and enhancing access to education and employment for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, are among the key objectives.

Ekasit Kunanantakul, President of the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand (ECOT) said, “ECOT supports and commits to the priorities set in this second Thailand Decent Work Country Programme which will help to advance international practices and sustainable development and leave no one behind. This is in line with ECOT’s mission.”

The DWCP seeks to address challenges related to the adequacy of social protection benefits, expand coverage for informal workers, and strengthen the social security system to ensure inclusive protection for all.

Manop Kue-rat, General Secretary of the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) said, “The Thailand Decent Work Country Programme 2023-27 is an important continuation of the collaboration between workers’ organizations, the government represented by the Ministry of Labor, employers and the ILO to achieve decent work for all in Thailand.

It balances sustainable economic development with a better quality of life for workers.”

In line with Thailand’s commitment to international labour standards, the DWCP also emphasizes working towards the ratification and implementation of key conventions, including those related to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and occupational safety and health.

Oktavianto Pasaribu, Deputy Director and Officer-in-Charge, ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic said, “Thailand faces both challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world of work.

By working closely with the government, employers and workers, ILO can help shape a future that delivers decent work for all.”

The Thailand DWCP 2023-2027 emerged from extensive consultations involving the government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and the ILO.

Its overarching goals include developing skills and occupations for the future workforce, enhancing Thailand’s global competitiveness through international protocol ratification, improving labor laws, and creating quality jobs across all age groups.

Additionally, the program focuses on ensuring social protection and quality work for all by strengthening both the social protection and social security systems.

Furthermore, sustainability is emphasized through the promotion of green jobs and sustainable enterprises, alongside efforts to bolster environmental protection and occupational safety and health.

This comprehensive approach underscores Thailand’s commitment to fostering decent work opportunities for its citizens. Through collaborative efforts with the ILO, Thailand aims to enact meaningful change for workers and their families.

The DWCP is a significant step forward in Thailand’s efforts to promote decent work for all. By working together, the ILO and Thailand can make a real difference in the lives of workers and their families.