Thai trade unions have taken an important step toward embedding workers’ voices in occupational safety and health (OSH) standards with the launch of a new training initiative. The first workshop, held on 22 August 2025 in Bangkok, was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with support from the governments of Japan and Canada. It brought together representatives under the International Trade Union Confederation – Thailand Chapter (ITUC-TC) to strengthen workers’ participation in shaping national and workplace-level OSH systems.
In his opening remarks, Tavee Deeying, Secretariat of ITUC-TC, highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, employers, and workers. He acknowledged that while Thailand has extensive OSH regulations, raising awareness among all stakeholders remains a critical challenge. The workshop provided participants with insights into both international and national OSH frameworks, guided by ILO expert Dr. Yuka Ujita and Wichan Sombutpinyo, Director of Thailand’s OSH Standards Group.
Dr. Ujita underscored the vital role of trade unions in ensuring workers’ participation at every stage of OSH management, which is key to its effectiveness. The training identified three priority areas for union capacity building: ensuring compliance with OSH requirements, improving the collection and use of occupational accident and disease data, and promoting workplace health, including the prevention of non-communicable diseases. These focus areas will shape a long-term training strategy to strengthen workers’ contributions to OSH policy and program implementation.
The initiative is part of broader projects funded by Japan and Canada to promote safe and healthy working environments in Thailand and Cambodia, as well as to strengthen fundamental labor rights. Thailand’s recent ratification of key ILO Conventions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155) and its 2002 Protocol, reflects the country’s renewed commitment to OSH reform. Reaffirming this momentum, Norikazu Takebe, Chief Technical Adviser of the ILO/Japan Multi-bilateral programme, pledged ongoing ILO support to help Thailand advance workplace safety and health at all levels.
