On 17 September 2026, the Mahidol Migration Center–Joint Research Unit (MMC-JRU), under the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, convened a stakeholder policy dialogue on “Reforming the Protection of Thai Workers Abroad.” The dialogue brought together representatives from government agencies, labour organizations, academia, international organizations, and workers with overseas employment experience to exchange perspectives on strengthening the protection of Thai workers abroad.

The dialogue featured representatives from the Ministry of Labour, including officials from the Department of Employment and an adviser to the Minister of Labour, as well as a representative from the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working on the protection and assistance of Thai nationals abroad. The dialogue also included Mr. Kuniaki Yoshida, General Manager of IM Japan Bangkok Office, alongside academics and researchers, including Professor Emeritus Dr. Supang Chantavanich and Don Thajaroensaks, Researcher at the Community Potential Foundation. Representatives from the Thai Overseas Workers Union and a former Thai worker with employment experience in South Korea and Israel also shared their perspectives.

The diverse range of participants provided an opportunity to examine the challenges faced by Thai workers across different stages of overseas employment, from recruitment and preparation for departure to working conditions, access to protection and assistance, and return to Thailand. Discussions also considered the roles of government agencies, employers, labour organizations, and other stakeholders in preventing exploitation, improving access to support and remedies, and strengthening coordination across existing protection mechanisms.

By bringing together perspectives from policymakers, practitioners, researchers, labour representatives, and workers with direct overseas employment experience, the dialogue aimed to identify practical gaps and opportunities for improving Thailand’s system of protection for Thai workers abroad. The discussion will contribute to ongoing efforts to develop more comprehensive, coordinated, and rights-based approaches to safeguarding the welfare and well-being of Thai workers throughout the migration process.

Related coverage: This event was also featured in posts by the Ministry of Labour and the Migrant Workers Union of Thailand (MWUT).

Read about the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to the protection of Thai workers abroad:
Ministry of Labour Facebook post

Read more from the Migrant Workers Union of Thailand (MWUT):
Migrant Workers Union of Thailand (MWUT) Facebook page