Permanent Secretary of Labour M.L. Puntrik commenced the Thailand National Tripartite Preparatory Meeting for the 10th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) which took place today (5 September 2017) at the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. In her opening speech, she said “Thailand is fully aware of the importance of household workers as a key economic driver in the increasingly competitive economic environment. The increasing competition is a result of many factors including the declining reproductive and death rates which have led to an aging society in Thailand, in turn causing the population of dependencies, which are children and the elder generations, to exceed that of the workforce. Changes in the population’s structure, economic systems and social perceptions such as gender equality, are all factors too. Now, we’re seeing both females and males work outside the house to support family expenses, thus many households opt to employ household workers to look after the house, which has led to a higher demand in the labour market.”
“The Ministry of Labour has driven agendas on protection of household workers through strategies to improve measures to meet international standards. Initiatives have been made through studies of practical and theoretical information sources, analyzing the different situations, problems and limitations in informal worker protection. The information has then been used in drafting legislation, policies and guidelines to correct the present and potential future problems and obstacles. Thus, the meeting today is crucial to the Ministry of Labour’s operations and also a good opportunity for members of the public, employers, employees and social sector to join together and participate on the topic by sharing comments and suggestions from different viewpoints. The collaboration will help set policies and guidelines on improving household worker protection which corresponds with present situations and which will benefit the overall society,” said the Permanent Secretary.
Participants who joined included the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Canadian Embassy, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, employers, employees and social sector representatives, totaling 50 people.
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Bureau of Public Relations/
Pariyaron Phromsakha Na Sakonnakhon – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
5 September 2017
