United Nations in Thailand

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Thailand is dedicated to advancing all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while emphasizing the importance of SDG localization, which brings the global agenda to the local level for effective impact. Amongst others, some highlights of our efforts encompass promoting integrated social protection for all (SDG 1.3), combatting non-communicable diseases (SDG 3.4), ensuring inclusive education, including migrant children (SDG 4.1), and advocating for women's participation in politics (SDG 5.5). We empower small to medium-sized enterprises and youth innovation, with a focus on business and human rights as well as digital transformation (SDG 8.3). Inclusive growth extends to marginalized groups, including the LGBTI community (SDG 10.2), while migration governance promotes safe, regular, and orderly migration (SDG 10.7). Our endeavors encompass implementing climate change strategies (SDG 13.2), solid waste management (SDG 11.6), and greening industry through promoting low carbon transition and finance among SMEs (SDG 7.2). Additionally, we strongly advocate for ensuring access to rights through inclusive citizenship (SDG 16.9), and share Thailand's experiences and best practices (SDG 17.9) through South-South and Triangular Cooperation. Through these collaborative efforts, we embark on a transformative journey to create a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Thailand.

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25 November 2024

Hundreds of cyclists ride in Bangkok to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

The Asia-Pacific region officially launches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) today with an inclusive cycling event in Bangkok.

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Press Release

08 April 2024

Global efforts needed to combat waste trafficking to Southeast Asia, new research by UNODC and UNEP reveals

Bangkok (Thailand), 2 April 2024 - A first-ever mapping of waste trafficking trends from Europe to Southeast Asia has been published today. Produced by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the new research sheds light on how criminal actors exploit legal trade and regulatory and enforcement loopholes for financial gain. It also explores the negative impact this crime has on the global circular economy.Southeast Asia remains a key destination for illicit waste shipments, the report reveals, with Europe, North America, and Asia identified as primary regions of origin. Common tactics include false declarations, a lack of or incorrect notifications to circumvent regulations and avoid controls, along with missing or inadequate licenses or documents. “In today’s globalized world, waste management has become an increasingly pressing concern in which production, consumption habits, waste crime, waste trafficking, corruption, organized crime, money laundering, and the circular economy are intertwined,” said Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “The crime of waste trafficking is taking away the value that legal, well-regulated waste trade brings to sustainable economies.”Data collected from four Southeast Asian countries, three major European Union ports, and international enforcement operations highlight efforts in tackling illegal waste shipments by both origin and destination countries. However, despite regulatory and enforcement measures implemented by countries in which illegal waste ends up — such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam — waste trafficking continues to pose a major challenge in the region. “Waste trafficking is a crime that has a profound impact on the environment, bringing high profits and low risks to perpetrators. If we are to fight this crime, we must change this by closing regulatory gaps, increasing enforcement, and strengthening cooperation at home and abroad,” said Preeyaporn Suwannaked, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand.The report, titled Turning the Tide: A Look Into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia Waste Trafficking Wave, is a flagship within a series of publications that explore corruption, cybercrime, and legal loopholes as causes behind the problem. It is part of a comprehensive project (Unwaste) to address waste trafficking and its impact on the global circular economy.“The environmental impacts of waste trafficking are contributing to the pollution crisis and need to be addressed. To do this, we must pursue good environmental governance and robust environmental rule of law. Projects such as Unwasteare critical in tackling issues through a multi-sector, multi-disciplinary approach. UNEP is proud to be part of the project, which advances solutions aimed at ensuring a healthy planet and a sustainable future,” said Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director of the Law Division in UNEP.Key types of waste trafficked include plastic, e-waste, metal, and paper, with mixed materials, textiles, vehicle parts, industrial, and medical waste also frequently encountered. Upon arrival at destination, take-back or repatriation procedures are a major challenge as shipments often cannot be traced to their countries of origin. Abandoned or unclaimed containers at ports exacerbate the issue, further complicating enforcement and investigation efforts. As a result, most waste ends up in illegal landfills, the ocean, or burnt in the open. Often, penalties are disproportionately low compared to the potential environmental and health damage inflicted on destination countries. The research also shows a concerning lack of available data to assess the full scale of waste trafficking and identify the connections between criminal actors involved.The report, which has been financed by the European Union, stresses the urgent need for further regulatory reforms, enhanced international cooperation, capacity development, research, and data along with stricter enforcement measures to combat waste trafficking effectively.Click here to access the report series., filtered_html

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Publication

08 April 2024

Turning the Tide: A Look Into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia Waste Trafficking Wave

This report, titled Turning the Tide: A Look Into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia Waste Trafficking Wave, is a flagship within a series of publications that explore corruption, cybercrime, and legal loopholes as causes behind the problem. It is part of a comprehensive project (Unwaste) to address waste trafficking and its impact on the global circular economy.Produced by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the new research, which has been financed by the European Union, stresses the urgent need for further regulatory reforms, enhanced international cooperation, capacity development, research, and data along with stricter enforcement measures to combat waste trafficking effectively.Southeast Asia remains a key destination for illicit waste shipments, the report reveals, with Europe, North America, and Asia identified as primary regions of origin. Common tactics include false declarations, a lack of or incorrect notifications to circumvent regulations and avoid controls, along with missing or inadequate licenses or documents.Data collected from four Southeast Asian countries, three major European Union ports, and international enforcement operations highlight efforts in tackling illegal waste shipments by both origin and destination countries. However, despite regulatory and enforcement measures implemented by countries in which illegal waste ends up — such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam — waste trafficking continues to pose a major challenge in the region.Learn why waste trafficking is a growing concern in the publication. Click here to access the report, Web of Waste Investigating the Risk of Waste Crimes in Cyber-Space.

Click here to access the main report, Legal Frameworks to Address Waste Trafficking in the ASEAN region – Review and Gap Analysis.

Click here to access the main report, Cash in the Trash The Role of Corruption, Organized Crime and Money Laundering in Waste Trafficking.

Click here to learn more about the Unwaste project., filtered_html

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Story

07 February 2025

International Labour Organization and Mahidol University strengthen partnership to advance social health protection in Asia

BANGKOK, Thailand (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Mahidol University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirming their commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in the pursuit of universal health and social protection in the region at the end of the workshop “Achieving Social Justice through Inclusive Social Health Protection”, held to mark World Day of Social Justice 2025

By leveraging Mahidol University’s academic expertise and the ILO’s policy leadership, this partnership will play a pivotal role in addressing social protection gaps and promoting sustainable health financing solutions. The MoU outlines key areas of collaboration, including the ongoing support to CONNECT, a regional network for Social Health Protection and the further development of the Master of Primary Health Care Management (MPHM) course with a special track on social health protection.

The MoU facilitates South-South and Triangular Cooperation, encouraging knowledge-sharing and mutual learning among countries in the region, through the CONNECT network. Mahidol University and the ILO support the platform, through joint research projects, training programmes and policy dialogues, hence providing a space for countries to exchange best practices and innovative strategies for enhancing social protection systems. “Today, we are privileged to reaffirm our partnership with Mahidol University, a collaboration that exemplifies the power of academic partnerships in driving progress,” said Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “This partnership underscores the importance of academic collaboration and long-term training to develop new generations of leaders in social health protection, who will promote international principles for inclusive social health protection systems.”

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the ILO and Mahidol University marks a pivotal moment in our partnership. It formalizes our shared commitment to enhancing capacity-building, research, and the exchange of knowledge for social health protection. This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across sectors and disciplines,” said Prof Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University. The ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD) at Mahidol University will serve as a key hub for the implementation of the MoU’s objectives. AIHD’s extensive expertise in global health and its interdisciplinary approach will facilitate collaboration among universities, governments, and organizations at national, regional and global levels.

CONNECT is a pioneering multi-stakeholder network of public institutions and non-for profit organizations in the Asia Pacific region, working together to bridge the gaps in social health protection. It was established in 2019 by the ILO, Mahidol University, and other partners including Thailand Health Insurance System Research Office, Viet Nam Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Korea Institute for Health And Social Affairs and Seoul National University.

The Master of Primary Health Care Management (MPHM) was launched in 2020 by AIHD with the support of ILO. It is an innovative 1-year Master’s Degree designed to enhance the capacity of social health protection practitioners in the region. To date 21 students from 7 countries have benefited from fellowship to the Master’s degree. , filtered_html

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Story

27 January 2025

Can AI close the learning gap?

On the International Day of Education, which was celebrated on Jan 24, we reflect on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This year's focus on AI comes at a critical time, as the world grapples with a learning crisis.Even before Covid-19, 128 million young people in the Asia-Pacific were out of school, with millions more at risk of dropping out. Many of those in education are also at risk of being left behind: half of learners in the Asia-Pacific do not achieve basic literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school.We need to offer quality education that corresponds to the needs of future societies, including equipping future workers with green skills. In Thailand, students like Yuparat from Chiang Mai and Atichat from Sakon Nakhon envision schools that embrace technology, coding and AI. Their vision highlights the necessity for education systems to keep pace with the digital revolution. "My dream school should encourage the development of coding and AI skills through hands-on practice," said Yuparat, 15. Yuparat, a wheelchair user, also stressed the need for "personalised learning and flexible classrooms", in her interview with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco)."Technology is a very important part of our lives now. I think we can use it to make things better in the future," adds Atichat Butchan, also 15. He is one of the youngest members of the UN Children Fund's (Unicef) Young People Advisory Board, which provides guidance as the organisation works with partners, including the Thai government, on education reform.The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has said AI development should benefit everyone. The Global Digital Compact, which world leaders adopted as part of the Pact of the Future last September offers a roadmap to harness AI's potential and close digital divides, with the UN committed to leading this effort. In Thailand, we are collaborating with the government to ensure digital technologies benefit all students, especially those in underserved areas. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring AI serves as a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.AI has the potential to address educational gaps by personalising learning, improving teaching efficiency and expanding access to quality education. However, this potential must be balanced with the risks, including widening the digital divide. While over 97% of schools in Thailand have internet access, there are large disparities in computer access between urban and rural schools, and only 16% of households have a computer at home. Furthermore, many students lack meaningful computer skills and more than half of 16 to 19-year-olds do not use computers to create presentations. These disparities can turn technology into a barrier rather than a facilitator of learning.Teachers are at the forefront of this digital transformation. As Tanawat Suwannapan, a history teacher in Bangkok, explains, the quality of student assignments often indicates whether a student has computer access at home, and many students lack the foundational skills to effectively use AI or search engines."Most students who use ChatGPT to complete the assignment don't understand the answers they get," says Mr Suwannapan. Many struggle to use search engines effectively, copying the first response they find, he adds: "If they cannot even select a keyword for Google, how can they write a clear prompt or verify the accuracy of a ChatGPT response?"Teachers also highlight the importance of being able to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies."Being a teacher means you have to develop yourself at all times and this includes learning digital skills," said Nurhayatee Deraoke, a teacher at Ban Than Mali School in Yala Province. However, she pointed out the challenges teachers in more remote locations face: "Our school is in a mountainous region, so Internet access is unreliable".To support teachers, Unesco's AI Competency Framework provides a roadmap, emphasising a human-centred mindset, AI ethics, foundational knowledge and problem-solving through AI. Unicef's One Teacher Thailand project has assisted over 500,000 teachers in updating their technical knowledge.The government has taken commendable steps like the "Coding for All" initiative and a National AI Strategy. To bolster these efforts, the UN advocates for investments in AI-powered learning, teacher training, digital infrastructure and data privacy, along with measures to strengthen foundational learning.Public-private partnerships will be important in expanding access to AI tools and resources. Last December, Thailand launched Unesco's Readiness Assessment Methodology, which is a diagnostic tool to assess where countries stand with regards to AI infrastructure, governance, investments, social policy and public institutions.Thailand is set to host Asia's first Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in June. This event underscores the need for collaboration among policymakers, educators and the private sector to ensure AI is ethically developed and applied. The UN also supports Thailand's digital transition. By prioritising inclusivity, equity and fairness, we can create an education system that enables every child to thrive.This is not just about technology; it's about ensuring equity and inclusion and preparing a generation to navigate a complex, AI-driven world. We must heed the visions of students like Yuparat and Atichat and ensure every child and all learners are equipped to succeed in the digital age.Michaela Friberg-Storey serves as the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, representing the UN Secretary-General in the country. Marina Patrier is Deputy Director at the Unesco Regional Office in Bangkok. Kyungsun Kim is Unicef's Representative for Thailand., filtered_html

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Story

23 January 2025

Thailand’s Marriage Equality Law: Love wins and no one is left behind

Thailand is making history today as the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality. By ensuring that all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, have the same rights to marry from the age of 18 and above, Thailand has sent a powerful message to the world: no one is left behind in love.Thailand’s progress toward this milestone reflects its long-standing commitment to the human rights of and equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer+ (LGBTIQ+) communities over the past two decades.The 2007 Constitution prohibits unjust discrimination against persons based on sex and personal status. Thailand further demonstrated its commitment by voting in favor of key UN resolutions that strengthen human rights in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity in 2011 and 2012.In 2015, the Gender Equality Act marked a significant legislative breakthrough, criminalizing gender-based discrimination and recognizing diverse gender identities, solidifying Thailand’s position as a leader in LGBTIQ+ human rights in the region.In 2016, Thailand mandated that all educational institutions provide comprehensive sexuality education, including on gender norms and the rights of persons of diverse sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.These transformative changes, leading to the historic adoption of the Marriage Equality Act, were made possible through sustained advocacy, evolving social attitudes, strong community mobilization and leadership, and governmental commitment.The Marriage Equality Act brings life-changing benefits to LGBTIQ+ individuals, couples, and families.Gender-neutral terms such as "spouse" now replace "husband" and "wife" in the Civil and Commercial Code, ensuring equal rights in marriage, child adoption, healthcare decisions, inheritance, and more.Notably, the legislation also raises the minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with international standards on child rights.Thailand’s landmark achievement aligns with its international human rights obligations.Article 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party, guarantees the right to marry and establish a family.Similarly, Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) provides for the equality of rights in marriage.Article 26 of the ICCPR and Article 2 of the UDHR further guarantee equal protection of the law without discrimination, a principle enshrined as a fundamental right under customary international law.Thailand’s own Constitution, in Section 27, prohibits all forms of discrimination, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to these principles.This month, in the lead-up to the law’s implementation, the UN Country Team in Thailand, comprising 21 UN entities, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, convened all 77 governors.The governors pledged to advance marriage equality and gender diversity.Over 600 officials and representatives from civil society gathered at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, to celebrate and reaffirm their readiness to facilitate marriages under the new legislation.This moment exemplified the commitment of leaders across all levels of government to creating an inclusive society.While this achievement is historic, the journey toward full equality for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Thailand is far from over.UN analysis reveals that stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence persist in various sectors, including families, workplaces, schools, and communities.To truly fulfill the promise of “leaving no one behind,” further steps are needed—such as enforcing anti-discrimination and gender recognition bills, along with norm change advocacy.Equality, inclusivity, and the empowerment of marginalized groups are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The UN Country Team remains committed to supporting Thailand in reaching these goals, in collaboration with government, civil society, private sector and academia.Through our work, the UN creates an equitable environment where every individual has equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights.Thailand’s progress holds global importance and provides an opportunity to showcase its commitment to the principal of equality and non-discrimination.As UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated, “Inequalities can be beaten—if we commit to policies that promote equity rather than clinging to the same failed approaches.”The Marriage Equality Act embodies this spirit, serving as a meaningful step and offering a roadmap for other nations in the region and beyond.Thailand demonstrates what is possible. Now, it is time for other nations to follow suit.Yesterday, only 36 countries worldwide recognized marriage equality.Today, we reached 37 nations. The UN stands ready to support this global movement, working towards a world where all love is equal, and every individual can live with pride and dignity.That is how love wins! Original article published by Thai PBS, filtered_html

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23 January 2025

Thailand Ushers Southeast Asia’s First Same-Sex Marriages

Hundreds of LGBTQ couples on Thursday became legally married in Thailand, which celebrates a historic day as the first nation in Southeast Asia to guarantee equal marital rights for same-sex couples.Rainbow colors were everywhere in an exhibition hall atop a luxurious mall in the capital Bangkok, where the first couples inked their signatures on government documents officially proclaiming them spouses on Thursday. Pride flags and other items were handed out to couples and guests, while confetti littered the floor as people celebrated winning marriage equality.“We were so excited that we couldn’t sleep last night,” said Phisit Sirihirunchai, a 36-year-old police officer who met his now-spouse Chanathip, 42, on TikTok six years ago when he advertised a puppy for sale. “The law used to see us as friends, but now it recognizes us. We don’t have to worry so much about the future.” From Thursday, any couple aged 18 or above can register a marriage regardless of their gender, under a marriage equality law passed last year.That marks a hard-won victory for LGBTQ activists, who fought for over a decade for the same marriage recognition as heterosexual couples. They now have equal rights to inherit each other’s assets, sign medical consent forms, and jointly adopt children, among others.Around the country, 50 district offices in the capital and almost 900 sub-districts elsewhere have opened their doors, with registrars officializing marriage certificates for hundreds, if not thousands, of LGBTQ couples.It’s a major step forward for Thailand, which has long been considered an LGBTQ-friendly country, with relaxed attitudes towards gender diversity and legislation protecting LGBTQ people from most kinds of discrimination since 2015. “By working towards a society where all love is equal, and every individual can live with pride and dignity, Thailand has sent a powerful message to the world: no one is left behind in love,” said Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. “This serves as a meaningful step and offering a roadmap for other nations in the region and beyond.”The predominantly Buddhist kingdom is only the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to guarantee marriage equality. The move makes Thailand an outlier in Southeast Asia, where some countries still prosecute homosexuality and the LGBTQ community often faces discrimination.“I congratulate all Thais, because from now, every love will be supported by the law, and every couple will be able to live with dignity and pride,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a recorded video message. “The rainbow flag is proudly flying over Thailand.” The vital tourism industry, which accounts for about 12% of Thailand’s $500 billion economy, should indeed get a boost from “rainbow tourism.” The same-sex marriage law may attract four million more foreign visitors into Thailand annually, and generate about $2 billion in revenue within the next two years, according to a recent study commissioned by travel platform Agoda, part of US-headquartered Booking Holdings Inc.Agoda this month also launched a campaign for same-sex couples in Thailand to share their love stories on social media for a chance to win a holiday voucher worth up to 350,000 baht ($10,320).Other companies have rolled out out similar incentive programs to show their support for the country’s same-sex marriage milestone. Earlier this week, real estate developer Sansiri Pcl. and Siam Commercial Bank, the country’s third biggest lender by total assets, announced a mortgage scheme with special interest rates for newly-married LGBTQ couples looking to take out a joint loan on a Sansiri property. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has also partnered with several businesses across the country to offer special events, tour packages, and hotel and restaurant deals for LGBTQ couples to celebrate their unions in the coming weeks.And across the globe, consular officers will be ready to register same-sex unions in 94 Thai consulates or embassies, according to the government.“This legislation not only is a testament to our social advancements, but also will be one of the accelerators of economic growth and tourism development,” said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, adding that LGBTQ tourists tend to spend 40% more than an average foreign traveler. Author: Patpicha TanakasempipatOriginal article published by Bloomberg , filtered_html

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Press Release

04 February 2025

Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia Programme advances labour rights for migrant fishers and seafood processing workers

Bangkok (ILO News) — As the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia programme concludes its second phase, substantial progress has been made towards decent work for migrants within the region’s blue economy. Funded by the European Union (EU), the programme is a 4-year regional initiative implemented by the International Labour Organization, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Development Programme.Through collaborative efforts with governments, the private sector, trade unions and civil society, the initiative has strengthened labour standards, supported legislative reforms, enhanced access to justice and support services for migrant workers and promoted responsible business practices. By fostering knowledge creation, capacity building and public awareness, the programme has laid a strong foundation for sustainable improvements in labour migration governance and protection of workers’ rights in the fishing and seafood processing sectors.“The European Union is proud to have established a strong legacy under the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia programme, supporting the realization of our shared values of human rights and social justice in the region,” said H.E. David Daly, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand. “We are very pleased to see such tangible progress has been achieved in protecting the labour rights of migrant workers in the fishing and seafood processing industries during the last four years.”Over its four years of implementation, the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia programme has contributed to a wide range of improvements.Labour standards in the fishing and seafood processing sectors have been strengthened through the adoption of 31 policy and legal instruments. The key regional policy achievements of the programme were supporting the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Fishers and the ASEAN Guidelines on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Fishers. The two agreements are expected to become important new regional normative instruments for protection of the labour rights of migrant fishers in South-East Asia.At the national level, key legislative milestones included the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, Indonesia’s Government Regulation No. 22 of 2022 on the placement and protection of migrant crews and the adoption of five sub-laws to support the implementation of the Law on Contract-Based Vietnamese Workers Overseas in Viet Nam. These legal advancements represent tangible progress towards aligning national legal frameworks with international labour standards in the region.Capacity building training on enforcement of labour laws, application of responsible business practices and other critical needs were provided to 5,682 stakeholder representatives. Some of the key training initiatives addressed dispute resolution for migrant worker grievances in Cambodia, joint inspections of fishing vessels in Indonesia, and occupational safety and health on fishing vessels in Thailand.Engaging the private sector to ensure responsible business practices has been integral to the programme’s approach in Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Through the Seafood Good Labour Practices programme, the Thai Tuna Industry Association and the Thai Frozen Foods Association have conducted more than 80 factory visits per year, helping to improve working conditions for the over 77,000 Thai and migrant workers employed by their member companies.In addition, the Lao Employment Business Association was established as the first-ever industry association representing the 48 private employment agencies licensed to operate in the country. The new association aims to raise the business standards of its membership to ensure fair recruitment practices, particularly for migrant workers.Major gaps in access to information and services for migrant workers have been filled through partnerships with governments, trade unions and civil society organizations. The programme has supported a network of 23 Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) to deliver targeted and sector-specific assistance for migrant fishing and seafood processing workers in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. To date, these organizations have been able to deliver individualized support services to 236,082 migrant workers and their family members, including safe migration counselling, pre-departure training, legal assistance services, labour organizing and return and reintegration services. A critical outcome of the legal assistance services has been greater access to remedies for labour rights abuses, including nearly US$1.2 million in money awarded to complainants.To support long-term improvements in stakeholder capabilities, the programme institutionalized 22 operational tools to support anti-trafficking and protection of labour rights efforts. The tools developed included guidelines for the national referral mechanism on human trafficking in Thailand, pre-departure training for work in the fishing and seafood processing sectors in Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the migrant fishers information package in the Philippines.In response to human trafficking cases, the programme helped to facilitate 757 national and transnational referrals for survivors from South-East Asia who had been trafficked to Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Fiji, Malta, Somalia and Madagascar. Through a coordinated effort with government authorities, civil society organizations and trade unions, these individuals were provided with protection services and eventually repatriated to their countries of origin. The programme also delivered direct support to 439 trafficking survivors from Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic to assist them with successfully reintegrating back into their communities.Public information campaigns have been a cornerstone of the programme’s impact, reaching over three million people through the use of diverse media platforms, including social media, video, radio, photography and printed materials. BBC Media Action’s Yay Kyi Yar Facebook campaign in Myanmar delivered safe migration and labour rights information in a highly-relatable and engaging format to more than 1.5 million followers across 10 countries.To empower migrant workers and contribute to a sea-change in public attitudes, SEA-Junction produced and launch a photo exhibition entitled “Not just Labor: Migrant Photo Voices from Thailand’s Fisheries”. The exhibition featured photo stories taken by Cambodian and Myanmar migrant workers that speak to the need to move towards a greater recognition of the full depth of humanity of migrant workers rather than simply viewing them instrumentally as filling labour needs.To drive evidence-based policymaking on labour migration governance, the programme published 23 new knowledge products. Seminal reports such as Rough seas: The impact of COVID-19 on fishing workers in Southeast Asia, Riding out the storm: Organizational resilience of trade unions and civil society organizations following the military takeover in Myanmar and Cambodia’s labour migration governance framework: A comparative analysis with international labour standards have delivered actionable policy recommendations and received extensive media coverage. The insights provided by these studies have played a key role in expanding the knowledge base on labour and social protection for migrant workers.Although the Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia programme has been a highly successful initiative during the last four years, there is still much more work to be done: “While the progress made so far is very encouraging, we know that this journey must continue. The ILO is committed to working closely together with governments, social partners, civil society and other key stakeholders to ensure that all migrant workers in South East Asia’s fishing and seafood sectors are employed under conditions of decent work,” said Panudda Boonpala, Deputy Regional Director, International Labour Organization., filtered_html

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Press Release

24 January 2025

Southeast Asian countries advance climate-smart agriculture through regional cooperation

Bangkok, Thailand - Climate change is severely affecting agriculture globally. In Southeast Asia, where more than 100 million smallholder farmers depend on farming for their livelihoods, rising temperatures, extreme weather, and shifting rainfall patterns threaten food security. The situation emphasizes the need for regional cooperation and increased climate finance for agrifood systems transformation.According to the FAO, while climate-related finance reached USD 130 billion in 2022, only USD 29 billion or 23 percent was allocated to agrifood systems, a decline from 37 percent in 2000-2010. This underscores the critical need for greater investment in climate-resilient agriculture. It is estimated that smallholder financing needs in Southeast Asia amount to USD 100 billion annually, yet current financial flows meet less than a third of this demand.FAO and partners prioritize climate-smart agriculture initiativesThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with key partners, has been promoting climate-smart agriculture initiatives to enhance productivity, build resilience, and reduce emissions. These initiatives focus on managing farms, crops, livestock, aquaculture, and fisheries; conserving ecosystem services; providing support to help farmers manage climate risks; and improving the food system through demand-side measures and value chain interventions. Together, these efforts help farmers adapt to climate change while promoting sustainability in agriculture.With the support from the Green Climate Fund, countries are developing new innovative projects, including climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture in Cambodia and the Philippines, sustainable low-emission rice production in Malaysia and Viet Nam, and climate-smart agriculture projects in Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand."Meeting ambitious climate action targets through climate-smart agriculture requires resources beyond what any single entity can provide," noted Robert Simpson, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, at the 10th Anniversary of ASEAN Climate Resilience Network (ASEAN-CRN). He added, that "Success depends on continued partnerships, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among all stakeholders in Southeast Asia."A decade of enhanced regional cooperation for sustainable agricultureFAO has been spearheading regional cooperation in climate-smart agriculture by supporting knowledge exchange platforms and partnerships. At a regional gathering this week, marking ten years of climate cooperation, the ASEAN-CRN Members and partners highlighted shared priorities for advancing climate-smart technologies, expanding capacity-building initiatives, facilitating greater access to climate finance, and enhancing regional coordination for climate action. “This network stands as a testament to what we can achieve through committed regional cooperation and FAO is proud to have been a part of this effort”, noted FAO’s Robert Simpson.FAO is committed to supporting these efforts and the ASEAN-CRN as part of its shared vision for sustainable agrifood systems transformation. In line with the FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031, this partnership works towards better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life - leaving no one behind., filtered_html

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Press Release

24 January 2025

UN Human Rights Office welcomes enactment of historic marriage equality law in Thailand, legalising marriage between same-sex couples

BANGKOK (23 January 2025) – The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) for South-East Asia welcomes the entry into force of Thailand’s historic Marriage Equality Act, which provides equal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples and paves the way for greater equality and inclusivity where all people can enjoy equal rights to marry regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.The new law, which officially came into effect on 23 January 2025, ensures that all couples, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation, have equal access to marriage and legal recognition, and benefits. This includes equal treatment in the context of medical care, property, inheritance, taxation and adoption of children, among others.“This is a momentous achievement for Thailand and the LGBTIQ+ community, following over a decade of advocacy and tireless efforts from LGBTIQ+ activists, human rights defenders and civil society organizations to create a more inclusive and equal society in Thailand, where people can marry who they love no matter who they are,” said Katia Chirizzi, Officer in Charge of the UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia. “It sets a positive example of leadership within the ASEAN and wider region.”While this new legislation represents a significant step forward, LGBTIQ+ individuals in Thailand continue to face discrimination and social stigma in many areas, including employment, education, and healthcare. Same-sex couples also encounter barriers, including in the context of other legislation relating to parenting. It is crucial to continue the work to ensure full equality in practice."We encourage the Government of Thailand to effectively implement the new law and further advance gender equality and inclusion by ensuring legal protection against discrimination, including through the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill and the Gender Recognition Bill,” Chirizzi said. “These steps are key to foster a society where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can live with dignity and free from discrimination.”The Marriage Equality Act also raises the legal age of marriage to eighteen from seventeen, aligning the minimum legal age for marriage with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Thailand has been a State party since 1992., filtered_html

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Press Release

16 December 2024

United Nations Network on Migration Launches the Thailand Migration Report 2024

‎ Download the Thailand Migration Report 202413 December, Bangkok – Migration remains a cornerstone of Thailand’s socio-economic development, offering immense opportunities and potential when well-managed and when the rights of migrants are protected, according to the latest Thailand Migration Report launched today by the United Nations Network on Migration in Thailand.Now in its sixth edition, the report, (the previous edition was published in 2019) is a joint UN inter-agency publication produced by members of the UN Network on Migration in Thailand.The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted nature of migration, policies and the lived realities of migrants in Thailand.As a hub for intraregional migration and main destination country in Southeast Asia, Thailand hosts at least 5.3 million non-Thai nationals, marking an 8 per cent increase compared to nearly 4.9 million non-Thai population as indicated in the last report. Thailand is also a transit country for migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers, and trafficked persons as well as an origin country deploying Thai workers across the region and beyond.The report delves into the state of migration through 11 chapters that revolve around four central themes of leaving no one behind, working conditions of migrants, human rights and access to justice, and expanding social protection and health care. Each chapter, written collaboratively by nine UN agencies, includes updates on migration-related policies and legislative frameworks, details the current situation for migrants, and makes recommendations for evidence-based policy and programmatic changes that promote inclusivity and protection for all migrants.“This report offers a comprehensive stock take of the opportunities that migrants bring and the challenges they face. It allows us to unpack the crucial role that Thailand plays as a Champion Country of the Global Compact for Migration,” says Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand.Labour migration from neighbouring countries, particularly Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar, remains a significant driver of Thailand’s economic growth, spurred by the country’s improved infrastructure and opportunities. This was highlighted by over 2.3 million regular migrant workers from these neighbouring countries registered in Thailand.However, many migrant workers continue to face challenges such as low wages, poor working conditions and limited access to social protection. Highlighting how migrants, particularly those in irregular situations, are at heightened risk of the precarious working and living conditions, the report calls for better legal and social protections.“With the conflict in Myanmar intensifying, mobility flows toward Thailand, the need for comprehensive policies that address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of migrants has never been more urgent,” emphasizes Géraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission at IOM Thailand and Coordinator of the UNMN in Thailand. “Expanding regular pathways to ensure all migrants are able to register, work decently and have access to basic services until they return home is [not only] critical for respecting Thailand’s commitments toward the protection of migrants but also a key sustainable development strategy for the country.”The report delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in neighbouring countries on migration dynamics and patterns in Thailand. While border closures, economic downturns and restricted movement disrupted the livelihoods of millions of migrants, the political instability has led to a surge in migrants entering through irregular channels, exacerbating humanitarian and development challenges. Compared to estimates in 2019 Thailand Migration Report, the number of Myanmar migrants in irregular situations has doubled to 1.8 million. This figure likely somewhat underestimates the actual increase, given the hidden nature of irregularity and difficulty to estimate numbers of migrants from countries other than Myanmar. “We hope that this report provides much needed evidence on longstanding trends and emerging challenges on migration and opportunities it brings for sustainable development,” adds Ms Ansart.With just over half a decade remaining until the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is critical to harness migration as a driver for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The promise of migration can only be fully realized through strengthened partnerships and collaboration between all stakeholders to translate policy commitments into right-based migration governance framework and systems that benefit both migrants and society as a whole.The Thailand Migration Report 2024 is a publication jointly produced by members of the UN Network on Migration, namely: IOM, ILO, OHCHR, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC, UN Women and WHO, with thanks to Sally Barber and Dr. Rosalia Sciortino for leading the coordination and editing of the report., filtered_html

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Press Release

03 December 2024

Vice Minister welcomed and had a discussion with Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Thailand

On 27 November 2024, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, welcomed and had a discussion with Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Thailand, on the occasion of her presentation of the letter of credence. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting closer cooperation between Thailand and the UN in driving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with Thailand's national context and for the benefits of the Thai people.

The UN Resident Coordinator commended Thailand's notable progress on achieving the SDGs, which include the promotion of diversity and gender equality, raising awareness on SDGs through active participation of private sectors, academics and youths, including the strong commitment from the government to drive the sustainable development agenda at all levels. She also reaffirmed the readiness of the UN Country Team in Thailand to support Thailand’s journey towards the SDGs, as well as to support Thailand’s exemplary role in the international arena.

In addition, the Vice Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to drive forward the sustainable development policy and agenda through inclusive participation. He also reaffirmed the government’s readiness to cooperate closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Thailand to drive forward government’s priorities such as providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, Thailand’s accession to the OECD and strengthening the multilateral system, as well as preparing a new sustainable development cooperation framework between the UN and Thailand that aligns with the country’s interests and key priorities. ———————-Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, filtered_html

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