World Vision Foundation of Thailand is taking concrete action to advance ‘migrant workers’ rights’ through partnerships with the private sector. Most recently, the Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Origin Property Public Company Limited and Britania Public Company Limited under the SAFER Work project. The partnership aims to promote decent and fair employment practices while sustainably improving the quality of life for migrant workers and their families.
This partnership reflects the understanding that labor rights extend beyond simply having a job. They also encompass access to fundamental rights, workplace safety, physical and mental well-being, and appropriate protections. This is particularly important in the construction sector, where migrant workers play a vital role in driving the country’s economy but remain vulnerable in many ways.
The partnership shares a common goal of creating decent and fair employment. Ms. Kaewta Sangsuk, Project Manager for Women and Children Affected by Migration, explained the project’s objectives: “This partnership aims to promote decent employment and the fair recruitment of migrant workers by working with contractors and relevant stakeholders to raise labor standards and lay a strong foundation for development that takes economic, social, and environmental considerations into account.”
Building on this initiative, World Vision Foundation of Thailand will organize workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-building activities on labor rights for contractors, workers, and communities across Bangkok, the surrounding metropolitan area, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and other key provinces.
Emphasizing that decent work must support workers’ long-term well-being, Mrs. Rosalin Kowae, National Director of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, underscored that ‘decent work’ goes beyond employment alone. “Decent work does not simply mean having a job. It must contribute to long-term sustainability through sustainable income, the protection of rights, and a better quality of life—particularly for migrant workers, who need opportunities and access to their rights to live with dignity.”
For this reason, the partnership is not merely a short-term initiative but a foundation for long-term collaboration.
As private-sector partners committed to achieving meaningful change, Origin and Britania play key roles in supporting the project’s implementation, particularly by providing access to construction sites and facilities and coordinating with contractors.
Mr. Apisit Soonthronchukiat, Chief Executive Officer of Origin Vertical Corporation Co., Ltd., said:
“Our company is committed to becoming a fully integrated real estate developer and achieving sustainable organizational growth in accordance with the principles of good corporate governance. We are committed to delivering quality products and services with a customer-centric approach. We are pleased to provide venues, coordinate with relevant personnel, and facilitate access to target groups for training and educational activities on labor rights, children’s rights, the prevention of violence against women and children, and essential skills development. We will also support project evaluation and performance monitoring.
In addition, the company will coordinate with its contractors to encourage their participation in meetings and labor rights training. These activities will foster a better understanding of fair employment practices and the fair recruitment of migrant workers at construction sites. The company currently has construction sites and projects under development in Bangkok, the surrounding metropolitan area, and other provinces.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Navin Leknawa, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Britania Public Company Limited, added:
“The company is committed to operating in accordance with the principles of good corporate governance while pursuing sustainable business practices and development that benefit stakeholders across economic, social, and environmental dimensions (ESG). In partnership with World Vision Foundation of Thailand, the company is implementing the ‘Strengthening Accountability for Fair Employment and Recruitment of Migrant Workers in Thailand—or SAFER Work—Project.’ The initiative promotes the health and well-being of workers at construction sites while helping address challenges faced by migrant workers, particularly migrant women and their families who work and live in the construction sector.”
“The company is ready to cooperate with and support World Vision Foundation of Thailand in every aspect, as it has in previous partnerships. This includes providing logistical support and coordinating with contractors in our network to participate in meetings, workshops, and labor rights training. These activities will build understanding of decent and fair employment practices and raise human rights standards in the construction sector, further advancing our mission in accordance with the principles of sound corporate governance,” Mr. Navin said.
The event also included a training session for staff from both companies on the labor-related provisions of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP) as they apply to the construction sector. Ms. Siriorn Aromdee, Senior Professional-Level Justice Officer with the International Human Rights Division of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Ministry of Justice, led the session and shared her insights. This marked another important step in strengthening the private sector’s understanding of relevant policies, helping ensure that labor practices are aligned with international human rights principles and can be effectively applied within the construction industry. These efforts will help raise labor standards and create sustainable improvements in the lives of migrant workers.
This collaboration between civil society and the private sector not only raises employment standards in the construction industry but also serves as a model for responsible ‘business practices that take business and human rights’ seriously. It will help create workplaces that are safe, fair, and supportive of decent work.
Ultimately, this partnership represents more than the signing of an agreement. It marks the beginning of meaningful change driven by all sectors of society, helping migrant workers—who play an important role in society—gain opportunities, enjoy a better quality of life, and move toward a secure and sustainable future.
