Thai Unions Drive Safer, Healthier Workplaces with New Initiative

The capacity of Thai trade unions to promote safer and healthier workplaces is being strengthened through a new initiative supported by the International Labour Organization and the Government of Japan. A two-day workshop held in Bangkok in January 2026 brought together Occupational Safety and Health focal points from trade unions under the International Trade Union Confederation – Thailand Council, marking the start of a broader capacity-building programme aimed at turning workers’ rights into practical action on workplace safety and health. The workshop focused on equipping union representatives with practical knowledge and tools to help workers actively exercise their rights and responsibilities related to occupational safety and health. It reflects a growing emphasis on recognising safe and healthy working environments as a fundamental principle and right at work, while strengthening the role of trade unions in supporting this goal at the workplace level. ILO officials stressed that safe and healthy work cannot be achieved by workers alone and requires close cooperation among workers, employers and government authorities. This shared-responsibility approach was highlighted as essential for translating legal commitments and international standards into real improvements in working conditions across sectors. Trade union representatives welcomed the initiative while acknowledging that, despite Thailand’s ratification of key ILO conventions on occupational safety and health, significant gaps remain in implementation. They reaffirmed the readiness of unions to play a stronger role in ensuring that international commitments result in safer workplaces for all workers. During the sessions, participants reviewed workers’ roles and duties under international labour standards and national legislation, exchanged good practices, and took part in practical exercises. They also developed short- and medium-term action plans to support colleagues in improving workplace safety and health. The strong engagement shown during the workshop was highlighted as a positive sign, with further training activities planned to deepen union capacity and sustain momentum under the ILO-Japan supported project.