With its gossamer chambers and gleaming blue veins, the model heart that biology teacher Pimdao Nudklanarongrit placed on a metal tray did not look plastic as it filled the smart screen behind her. And despite the suits worn by the teachers and officials gathered in the smart classroom at Buriram Pittayakom School for a professional training session, they momentarily resembled students as they inclined toward the board and watched her demonstration. For Anasaya Boorapa, an English instructor at Siriket Nomklao School in Si Sa Ket province, the captivating display confirmed something she has witnessed in her own classroom in recent months. Before new digital tools were introduced late last year, 'learning was more passive, and students didn’t often volunteer answers to questions,' she said. Now, 'lessons are more interactive and students are more confident about sharing their ideas.’Boorapa's school is one of ten pilot institutions across northeast Thailand taking part in the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All (TEOSA) initiative, led by UNESCO's Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok) in partnership with Huawei Technologies and Thailand's Ministry of Education. In December 2025, the initiative equipped one 'mother' school each in Buriram and Si Sa Ket provinces with Smart Classroom infrastructure — interactive displays, document cameras, table-level computers and high-speed internet — each linked to four surrounding 'child schools' able to receive and participate in lessons in real time.The need it addresses is acute. According to a 2022 national assessment by the World Bank and Thailand's Equitable Education Fund, 74.1% of Thai youth and working-age adults lack essential digital skills.TEOSA, also active in Brazil and Egypt, is part of UNESCO's broader effort to narrow digital divides and promote equitable access to quality education, a cornerstone of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. On 19 March 2026, the International Day for Digital Learning will see UNESCO and UNICEF co-launch the Charter for Public Digital Learning Platforms, a framework to extend public education into digital environments equitably and sustainably.'The International Day for Digital Learning is a reminder that access to technology in schools is increasingly a key element for equal opportunities,' says Marina Patrier, UNESCO Bangkok's Deputy Director and Chief of Education.  'But technology alone has never been enough. What we are trying to support in Thailand is a model where teachers’ and learners’ capacity to use digital tools to enhance learning outcomes and inclusivity grows together.' That pairing was visible in Buriram on March 4 and 5, 2026, when 45 teachers from the pilot schools gathered for professional development and training on Smart Classroom tools, informed by the UNESCO's AI Competency Framework for Teachers. UNESCO's AI Competency Framework for Students was also presented, as teachers discussed their practical experience of using AI in class. Currently, only half of the countries around the world have standards for developing teacher ICT skills, according to UNESCO's 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report, a gap the TEOSA Initiative was designed to address.The day before the biology demonstration, a mathematics class offered a preview of what that looks like in practice. Around 20 students competed to raise their hands to demonstrate the solution to a math challenge. When one was chosen, the document camera captured his worksheet and projected it onto the screen behind him. 'When I invite them to come to the front and write or solve problems on the board, they enjoy it even more,' says Woranitipat Worakaensai, a mathematics teacher at Khuean Chang Phittayakharn School. 'They are eager to come up and participate.'For Siravit Koram, a Grade 11 student at Buriram Pittayakom School, the effect extends beyond enthusiasm. 'The large screen helps us understand the laws of physics much better,' he says. 'It makes me want to explore and learn along with the technology.' The classroom-level change reflects broader policy developments. The UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Teachers, translated into Thai through the TESOA initiative, has informed the development of Thailand's Digital Safety and Literacy Curriculum, a Ministry of Education programme to strengthen digital skills across all age groups. A training programme targeting an estimated 200 master teachers is planned for later in 2026, to be cascaded nationwide. In neighbouring Lao PDR, UNESCO has supported all 16 of the country’s Education Training Institutions to adopt a reformed digital curriculum to enhance teacher ICT and AI competencies at scale.Because Pimdao Nudklanarongrit’s biology session at the mother school was broadcast live and recorded, teachers at surrounding child schools had access to the same demonstration. In previous years, she says, the same lesson would have required a pig's heart and a room small enough for every student to see.‘The role of teachers is changing,’ says Anasaya Boorapa, ‘we can’t just be instructors, we have to use technology to facilitate learning.’ Originally published by UNESCO Bangkok

Chiang Rai, Thailand – At dawn on the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sai, the first crossings of the day are already underway. Men and women from Myanmar move steadily into northern Thailand, some carrying small bags, others holding documents in plastic folders. On the Thai side, vans and labour brokers wait to take them to construction sites, farms and factories across the province.  Lin wonders what fate awaits these migrants. The 49-year-old has observed this routine for years. Each morning, she studies the crowd and wonders what will happen once they leave the bridge – who will find stable work, and who may need someone to stand beside them.A lifelong resident of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, one of the busiest crossing points between Thailand and Myanmar, Lin has spent the past 15 years volunteering to support newly arrived migrants. By day, she runs a small jewelry stall to support herself. In the evenings and on weekends, she leads a grassroots self-help group that assists vulnerable migrants, many of whom are fleeing conflict, economic instability, or insecurity back home.“My purpose is to serve people,” Lin says. “Everyone deserves safety and a fair chance. When migrants arrive here, they come with hope. No one should take advantage of that.”    IOM and volunteers deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in northern Thailand, supporting both migrants and host families. Photos: IOM 2024/Piraporn Tongjad, IOM 2026/Ratchanon KruenchitWhat began as a small circle of 10 volunteers – Thai host community members and migrants from Myanmar united by a shared sense of responsibility – has grown into a network of 60 members. The group sustains its work by pooling modest contributions from members.Their mission is simple but vital: to bridge communication gaps between migrants and local authorities. Language barriers often lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or even exploitation. Volunteers accompany migrants to government offices and service providers, acting as interpreters and helping ensure that concerns are clearly understood.In the early days, much of their work involved assisting bereaved families with funeral arrangements and navigating death registration procedures. Lin recalls one case involving a construction worker who died on the job.The employer initially refused to report the death, fearing legal consequences, and declined to compensate the family. The group stepped in. They raised funds for the funeral and worked closely with local officials, the employer and Thailand’s Social Security Office. After persistent advocacy, the worker’s family received 200,000 Thai baht – about USD 6,000 – in compensation.    Such cases reflect the broader challenges facing migrants in Chiang Rai, where an estimated 45 per cent of migrants from Myanmar are in an irregular situation. The local economy depends heavily on migrant labour, particularly in sectors such as construction and agriculture that involve physically demanding and sometimes hazardous work.Ongoing conflict and economic instability in Myanmar continue to push people to look for work across the border, even when the journey is uncertain.“Most people will take any job they can get,” Lin explains. “For them, it’s all about survival and supporting their families back home.”  Despite filling essential roles in the local economy, many migrant workers remain socially isolated, separated by language differences and uncertain legal status. This isolation can increase their exposure to unfair treatment and labour rights violations.By strengthening communication between migrants and authorities, Lin’s group aims to prevent disputes before they escalate and reduce the risk of abuse.    Cherry, a migrant from Myanmar and community volunteer, supports outreach and humanitarian activities for vulnerable migrants in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Photos: IOM 2026/Ratchanon KruenchitAmong the younger volunteers helping to build these bridges is Cherry, who understands these struggles firsthand. A migrant from Myanmar, Cherry first met Lin during a community health workshop early in the COVID-19 pandemic.Now 30, Cherry moved to Thailand at the age of 13 to reunite with her father, who worked in construction in Mae Sai. At first, she spoke little Thai. Each day, she crossed back into Myanmar to attend school. Despite the logistical challenges, she completed high school and later earned a university degree through a distance-learning programme in Myanmar.“I know what it feels like to arrive and not understand anything,” Cherry says. “You feel invisible. If someone helps you even once, you never forget it.”She began volunteering by translating COVID-19 public health guidance for migrant communities. Over time, her role expanded. She began assisting with small relief efforts, supporting outreach activities and helping new arrivals navigate basic services.When devastating floods struck Chiang Rai in late 2024, Cherry played a critical liaison role as Lin’s self-help group partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to deliver humanitarian assistance.The volunteers supported rapid assessments in affected villages and helped identify the most vulnerable households. They assisted in distributing emergency kits containing food, water, blankets, and hygiene supplies to families who had lost homes or livelihoods. In total, close to 1,800 vulnerable people were reached, including host community members.For Lin, leadership does not require a title. It begins with noticing who needs support.“When women lead in their communities, they connect people,” she says. “They help others feel seen and heard.”As migrants continue to cross the bridge each morning, Lin remains there, watching, ready. For many, the journey into Thailand marks the beginning of uncertainty. For a growing number, it also marks the beginning of community support. IOM’s humanitarian assistance in Thailand supporting vulnerable migrants from Myanmar is funded by the Government of Japan. Originally Published by IOM

Every day, as dawn breaks, hundreds of fishing vessels leave Thailand’s ports for days at sea. For the thousands of migrant fishers who contribute to this industry, and the workers who process and package the catch onshore, the distance from port has meant distance from safety and protection.Thailand’s seafood sector is a vital part of the country’s economy and supports the livelihoods of many households. It is also a cornerstone of the global supply chain and contributes to a secure food system. But behind the products on supermarket shelves is a workforce, dominated by migrants, that faces serious risks: unpaid or underpaid wages, forced labour, limited access to social protection and limited feedback mechanisms. Migrant workers’ work permits are often tied to a single employer, which can discourage them from reporting unsafe working conditions for fear of losing their jobs or facing other retaliation. Also, many migrant workers do not speak Thai, leaving them isolated and unable to access services or navigate any feedback systems in place. They are also often unaware of their rights and available services, even after settling into their host communities.How are Fishers and Seafood Workers Supported?  Ship to Shore Rights (S2SR) is a multi-country, multi-agency UN initiative designed to change this reality by providing end-to-end protection for migrant workers in the seafood industry, from recruitment, through work at sea or on the factory floor, to return and reintegration at home.The programme brings together UN agencies, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), government authorities, trade unions, civil society and the private sector to prevent labour exploitation, combat human trafficking and strengthen access to justice and services. Its approach combines policy support, capacity building and provision of information and services to ensure that protections are not just on paper but reach workers in real life.  Making Social Justice a PriorityThe initiative first began in Thailand in 2016. As one of the world’s major seafood exporters and a regional hub for migrant labour, Thailand became a proving ground for transforming practices.Thailand is the first and only country in Asia to ratify both the Work in Fishing Convention (Convention No. 188), which sets minimum standards for working conditions, safety, health and welfare of fishers, and the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention (Protocol No. 29), which strengthens measures to prevent forced labour and ensure access to relevant support.The impact of these commitments is already visible in communities. International standards have been incorporated into national law, inspection systems have been reinforced and new mechanisms have been introduced to better protect workers’ rights. This change is visible across the region. One of the most tangible achievements of the programme is the establishment of Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs). In the last five years, 28 MRCs have been set up in seven countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. They have provided support services, including counselling, psychosocial support, legal aid, outreach, pre-migration training and return and reintegration services to more than 240,000 migrant workers and families. This initiative has targeted programmes for vulnerable members of the community, including migrant women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, fishers and seafood processing workers. As a result, workers are better informed about their rights, more aware of available services and feel more empowered to advocate for themselves. Workers’ organizations, supported by S2SR, have played an important role in this transformation. Through trade unions and worker‑led networks, the programme supported fishers in becoming more organized and provided opportunities to bargain collectively, better understand their rights and resolve grievances. Through this support, more migrant workers feel confident using formal feedback systems, seeking fair treatment at work and getting adequate support to tackle unsafe workplace conditions. Real-life Results for WorkersFor many workers, the biggest change has been finally getting the wages they were owed. In Ranong province, 11 migrant fishers from Myanmar who worked months without pay received their full wages following a request submitted with support from ILO’s partners.“We stood up together and finally got justice… This shows we can stop vessel owners from cheating us,” says Aung Myo Oo, the leader of a worker organization.Across the Gulf of Thailand, in Trat province, a group of Cambodian fishers in a similar situation learned about their legal rights. They, too, leveraged this support to engage their employer and receive proper compensation for their efforts. “We learned we have strength in numbers when we stand together,” they share.In Phang Nga, two Myanmar fishers who faced wage loss and physical abuse received adequate support, showing how transformed feedback systems can change lives. Sharing clear, simple information also made a big difference. At ports and in local communities, S2SR’s civil society and worker organization partners offer guidance in languages migrant workers understand, including on contract issues, pay, complaint cases, workers’ compensation claims and other labour rights.  This kind of support was crucial when 17 migrants from Myanmar were detained near the border. With support from a Migrant Worker Resource Centre, they received proper guidance and support to return home safely. Shared Expertise is Shared ProgressThese impacts are possible due to the close collaboration between partners and across the UN, with agencies bringing complementary expertise.  ILO leads the initiative, helping governments, workers, employers and civil society strengthen labour standards, inspections, complaint mechanisms, access to services and social dialogue in the fishing and seafood processing sectors.IOM focuses on addressing human trafficking and return and reintegration issues for migrants. This includes victim identification and referrals to services.  FAO contributes technical expertise on fisheries governance, helping prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing while promoting sustainable fishing practices and supply chains.At the national level, partnerships with government institutions, the private sector, civil society and workers’ organizations ensure protection is institutionalised in law, policy and practice.  A Journey from National to Regional ImpactShip to Shore Rights is now in its next phase, focusing on consolidating progress in Thailand while strengthening cooperation across the region. Lessons from efforts to promote responsible business conduct and worker voice and participation in the seafood sector are now being shared in several countries.For migrant fishers and processing workers in Thailand, the initiative represents a concrete step towards safe migration, decent work and access to justice. As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has underscored, “Migration is a powerful driver of progress, lifting economies, connecting cultures and benefiting countries of origin and destination alike.” Realising that promise, however, requires that rights travel with workers wherever their livelihoods take them. On the World Day of Social Justice, the S2SR programme affirms a simple principle: social justice, protections and accountability must apply to all workers, including migrants whose work carries them far from home and even from land. It is a reminder that even at sea, rights should never be out of reach. 

Every year on Feb 14, the world pauses to celebrate love -- traditionally through flowers, romance and promises. But this Valentine's Day in Thailand goes beyond sentiment, marking over one full year of legal marriage equality.On Jan 23, 2025, Thailand took a bold step by passing the Marriage Equality Law, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognise marriage for all couples, regardless of gender. Since then, thousands of LGBTI couples have formalised their unions -- securing rights related to inheritance, healthcare and family life that were previously out of reach.This milestone was not reached overnight. From early constitutional protections to the Gender Equality Act of 2015, Thailand has steadily advanced the rights of LGBTI people. The Marriage Equality Law is the clearest affirmation yet of that trajectory. By raising the minimum age of marriage to 18, it also aligns Thailand with international standards to protect the rights of children.Globally, Thailand joined 37 other countries last year in recognising full marital rights for same-sex couples. This statistic highlights both great progress and the reality that legal marriage equality is still the exception across nations, not yet the norm.Regionally, Thailand's bold step matters. Across much of Asia and the Pacific, legal protections for LGBTI people remain uneven or -- in places -- contested, including where social acceptance has moved faster than formal safeguards, leaving gaps in protection in schools, workplaces and access to services.This becomes more challenging with digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), as UNDP's The Next Great Divergence report warns. Without deliberate policy choices, digital transitions can widen existing inequalities rather than reduce them -- especially for groups already facing social exclusion.Education systems, recruitment processes and public discourse are increasingly shaped by digital platforms -- often without safeguards against bias. For LGBTI people, particularly young people, inclusion is now shaped as much by what happens online and in classrooms as by what is written in law.Recent data from Thailand reflects that gaps can persist between legal progress and lived experience. UNDP's Tolerance but Not Inclusion study -- now a few years old -- reports that half of LGBTI people interviewed experience discrimination within their families.In education, 41% of LGBTI students and 61% of transgender women reported discrimination at school. Forty-two per cent said they have pretended to be straight to gain acceptance.Such patterns matter because exclusion -- early and persistent -- limits educational outcomes, economic participation and wellbeing over time. One year on from passing the Equal Marriage Law, it would be timely to explore whether these patterns are changing for the better.The implications for what happens next are clear: changing the law is step one; changing people's lived experiences is next. That will be the result of conscious choices in how systems are designed and governed. Schools must design to prevent discrimination. Workplaces must design against discrimination not only in policies, but increasingly in digital systems such as recruitment and performance management.Many in Thailand's business community see the marriage equality law as an opportunity to strengthen the country's economic position as a safe and welcoming destination for global workers and travellers. A study commissioned by the travel platform Agoda estimates the law could attract up to 4 million additional international visitors annually, generating roughly US$2 billion (approximately 62 billion baht) in tourism revenue each year.With the support of UNDP's work on Business and Human Rights, including the Inclusion Toolkit for Organizations and Business developed with Workplace Pride and the Sasin School of Management at Chulalongkorn University and supported by the Canadian Government, more Thai companies are thinking through how inclusive practices can boost their innovation, retention and resilience. They are playing their part in translating legal security into economic security, as Thailand's estimated 1.6 million LGBTI people join and advance in the workforce.One year on, Thailand's Marriage Equality Law stands as a regional reference point. But laws endure only when societies uphold them. With anti-discrimination reforms and legal gender recognition still under debate, there is more work to be done to ensure that equality is consistently experienced – in homes, schools, workplaces and digital spaces.This Valentine's Day is not only a celebration of love recognised by law. It is a reminder that inclusion is built through everyday decisions -- and that progress, once achieved, must be actively sustained.Happy Valentine's Day -- and happy Pride in love. Niamh Collier-Smith, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand. First published in the Bangkok Post