On 18 November 2025, World Vision Foundation of Thailand partnered with the International Labour Organization (ILO), supported by the European Union (EU), to conduct a field visit under the project “SAFER Work: Strengthening Accountability in Employment and Recruitment of Migrant Workers in Thailand” at Bristol Bangkok Phetkasem, Bangkok.
This activity was not just a meeting but an on-site engagement to understand the challenges migrant workers face and to create a platform for dialogue between World Vision Foundation of Thailand and representatives from the EU, ILO and private sector–Britania Company. Key issues discussed included challenges in registering workers through the e-Work Permit system, the decline in migrant labour due to the unrest, and the impact on the real estate sector caused by instability and reduced purchasing power. This visit reflects the commitment of all sectors to find practical solutions for building a transparent, fair employment system that respects the human rights of migrant workers in Thailand.
In addition, the representatives from the partner organisations and World Vision Foundation of Thailand visited construction sites to meet and talk with workers, listening to real-life experiences—their living conditions, problems and needs—while providing training on basic labour rights such as safe working practices, fair wages, access to healthcare, and mechanisms for preventing and reporting rights violations.
O, a worker from Lao PDR who has been working in Thailand for two years, shared:
“I came to work here because a relative invited me. I came with my boyfriend. This is the first time someone has come to give us information about labour rights. Now I know the rights I am entitled to and that there are people ready to help when problems arise. It makes me feel more confident.”
This testimony highlights the importance of providing accurate information to workers so they understand their rights and responsibilities, enabling them to protect themselves from different forms of exploitation.
The Key Role of the Business Sector: A Collaborative Model to Mobilise Change
Private sector collaboration is a key factor in making the SAFER Work project a reality, through partnerships between World Vision Foundation of Thailand and Sansiri, Britania and Origin. This visit demonstrates proactive engagement from the private sector and serves as an example of how businesses can play a tangible role in advancing labour rights.
Previously, activities of this nature rarely involved businesses. This time, the three companies opened their spaces for activities. They joined efforts to promote fair employment and respect for human rights—a significant step towards establishing sustainable new standards in Thailand’s labour sector.
Ms Thunyaporn Chumjui, Senior Manager Internal Audit and Risk Management at Britania, said:
“Today’s activity was organised to educate workers about human rights and labour rights they are entitled to, such as healthcare, working hours and compliance with labour laws. This is to ensure that both workers—especially migrant workers—and contractors understand their rights correctly. We aim to raise awareness among contractors to inform workers about their rights, including healthcare, legal working hours and other basic rights. The key is to make contractors aware first, because sometimes they do not inform workers of their rights. This training helps both workers and contractors comply with the law.”
Ms Thunyaporn emphasised that this collaboration not only helps workers receive accurate information but also raises awareness in the business sector about the importance of fair employment, which benefits both workers and organisations in the long term.
“What we have learned is that we need to raise awareness among contractors first so they comply with the law and workers receive their full rights. We want to see this project continue because what workers gain can be applied in daily life.”
Quality of Life for Workers: Collaboration is Key
The SAFER Work project not only builds knowledge and awareness but also underscores a crucial truth: the quality of life for migrant workers depends on collaboration from all parties, especially employers. When businesses support and comply with the law, workers can access essential rights such as social security, which they cannot obtain on their own and require employer contributions. Responsible employers are the starting point for creating stability and a better life for workers. This challenge shows that advancing labour rights requires cooperation from all sectors to mobilise fair employment and genuine respect for human rights.
The SAFER Work project operates in six provinces: Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Chonburi, with a budget of over 3.25 million baht (approximately USD 97,895) from the International Labour Organization (ILO), supported by the European Union (EU). The project runs for 12 months, from June 2025 to June 2026, with key private sector partners, including Sansiri, Origin and Britania, working together to promote fair and sustainable labour standards.
Between June and October 2025, SAFER Work has reached more than 478 migrant workers to provide knowledge and has developed 15 migrant worker volunteers to disseminate essential information in workers’ native languages. Topics include labour rights, child rights, prevention of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and channels and mechanisms for complaints and referrals in cases of rights violations.
This field visit reflects the genuine commitment of all parties to build a transparent, fair system that respects human rights and improves the quality of life for migrant workers, while enhancing the image of Thai businesses on the global stage. This is a significant step proving that fair employment is achievable
when everyone works together. SAFER Work continues to mobilise change for workers and elevate business standards in Thailand—because a better future begins with our collaboration.
