BANGKOK (ILO News) - On the occasion of an official visit to Thailand, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Guy Ryder, met with Thailand's Prime Minister, General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, and newly appointed Minister of Labour M.R. Chatumongol Sonakul. He also met with employers' and workers' representatives.

Two days of productive meetings with @ilo constituents - Prime Min., Min. of Labour, Social partners- and @GuyRyder in Thailand, one of the six ILO founding member States in Asia. Strong cooperation & dialogue, a key to advance social justice and sustainable development. pic.twitter.com/8thlNIp35g

— ILOAsiaPacific (@ILOAsiaPacific) July 24, 2019

Encouraged by Thailand's recent signing of a Decent Work Country Programme as well as the ratification of the Forced Labour Protocol (P29) and the Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188), Guy Ryder reiterated ILO's support to the Royal Thai Government and to the social partners in implementing the new standards.

The discussions also focused on the need for skills training to keep up with transformations in the world of work, on productivity and competitiveness in the context of the future of work, as well as on the need for cooperation to strengthen labour protection and labour rights.

Director General Guy Ryder also went to Samut Sakhon province to be briefed on the activities of the Port-In Port-Out (PIPO) control center in charge of inspecting vessels for fishing and labour violations, and to visit a canned tuna factory. see photos

Encouraged to see first-hand the Thai port-in port-out ship inspection facilities and speak with workers and officials. The success and sustainability of the complex fishing industry depends on having good conditions of work. It's a win-win for the industry and workers #ILO100 pic.twitter.com/rPINJVWhjD

— Guy Ryder (@GuyRyder) July 23, 2019

In addition to meeting with the ILO's tripartite constituents, Guy Ryder also discussed how the UN, in partnership with Asia-Pacific countries can support and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with Ms Armida Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP. See more pictures of ILO Director-General meetings in Thailand

While in Bangkok, Guy Ryder also addressed the 8th Education International World Congress.

"(...) whatever the marvels of technological applications, education cannot be delivered well other than by qualified, properly paid and educated staff who know their rights and are free to exercise them." stressed @ilo Director-General @guyryder at #EICongress in BKK today pic.twitter.com/vwKn2jm5Vs

— ILOAsiaPacific (@ILOAsiaPacific) July 23, 2019