Thai rock stars join the International campaign against child labour

To mark the World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), Thailand’s biggest rock stars have worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the first national language cover version of the song 'Til Everyone Can See.

Press release | Bangkok, Thailand | 10 June 2015
BANGKOK (ILO News) - Two of Thailand’s biggest rock stars have joined the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) campaign against child labour by covering a Thai version of the campaign song, “‘Til Everyone Can See”.

A free download of the song is available at https://soundcloud.com/international-labour-organization/m3ovjilkfrgu

Fans are encouraged to support the campaign by sharing the song and tweeting about it. #NOchildlabour


To mark World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), Toon and the band Bodyslam, and Foet of Slot Machine, have worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the first national language cover version of the song, which was originally written by Mike Einziger, the American Grammy-nominated guitarist from the alternative rock band, Incubus, and the world-renowned violinist, Ann Marie Simpson.

The couple created and recorded the anthem for the ILO’s Red Card to Child Labour Campaign, which was launched last year on the World Day Against Child Labour, along with their friends and fellow music stars Pharrell Williams, Hans Zimmer, Dom Lewis, LIZ, Minh Dang and Travis Barker.

“I’m delighted that Toon and Bodyslam and Foet of Slot Machine have launched the Thai version of “‘Til Everyone Can See” for our campaign against child labour,” said Maurizio Bussi, Officer-in-Charge of ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR. “Music is a great way to spread the message. If we are going to stimulate change, and eliminate child labour, we need as many people from all walks of life as possible to support us”.

“Child labour is a global problem that needs a response from all sides. This means measures to help reduce poverty, improve education, enforce laws, improve employment prospects for adults and ensure there are no benefits in employing children under working age,” he added.

The Thai version of “‘Til Everyone Can See” has been interpreted and written in Thai by Po Posayanukool, a well-known lyricist and music producer. It was produced by Poonsak Jaturaboon, aka Aof Big Ass, the guitarist from the metalcore rock band, Big Ass, and a well-known music producer.

“I think this song is charming,” said Toon. “When I heard the English version, I thought it would be great to do the Thai version, to communicate the song’s meaning in a way that Thai people can understand.”

“I would like everyone to lend a helping hand. For those who have money, you can help financially. For others, you can help with your actions. I would like it to start with each one of us. We have to help. Whatever we can do, we should do it. The way I can help is by singing,” said Foet.

The most recent global estimates suggest some 168 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are involved in child labour. Asia and the Pacific still has the largest numbers (almost 78 million, or 9.3 per cent of all children in the region).

This year's World Day Against Child Labour, June 12, focuses particularly on the importance of quality education as a key step in tackling child labour. The ILO is calling for:

• Free, compulsory and quality education for all children, at least to the minimum age of employment, and action to reach those presently in child labour.
• New efforts to ensure that national policies on child labour and education are consistent and effective.
• Policies to ensure access to quality education, and investment in the teaching profession.

Join Toon of Bodyslam, Foet of Slot Machine and the ILO to fight child labour.

Get more information on the fight against child labour at /ipec/lang--en/index.htm

For more information please contact:

Jiraporn Wongpaithoon
Communications Officer
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok
Jiraporn@ilo.org
Tel: 0 2288 1664