About the programme

The automotive and automotive parts industries are among Thailand’s largest industrial sectors, employing 100s of thousands of workers. Vehicle parts supply chains passing through Thailand stretch around the world. Agriculture too, is important to the country and employs millions of workers in a range of business structures.

The Responsible Supply Chains in Asia project is working to build capacity, particularly within government institutions, to promote a culture of respect for worker’s rights and environmental standards in these industries. The project aims to further enhance the reputation of Thailand as a responsible sourcing destination to encourage international investment and further open access to markets.

The project’s operations are active in four areas: Research, to produce a map of current policies and practices as well as potential improvements; Outreach, to provide a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders to share experiences and peer learning. Policy advocacy to address government and business approaches to labour issues in supply chains, and; Training courses to strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of these stakeholders and help them implement responsible business principles to all levels of Thailand’s supply chains.

Principles and guidelines

As a platform for this work, the project is based on internationally agreed principles and guidelines on corporate responsibility, principally the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.

Expected Results

The project will contribute to decent work opportunities for women and men in the agricultural and vehicle parts industries as responsible business practices are implemented. Using the above internationally agreed principles and guidelines to inform and underpin its engagement in Thailand, the project will:

• Boost awareness and understanding of CSR/RBC, particularly among policy makers in government and business, through the exchange of information and the dissemination of the latest research, case studies and data;
• Improve coherence between the EU and Thailand on CSR/RBC policies and practice;
• Develop and/or reinforce multi-stakeholder partnerships, including at a sectoral level, to lift the contributions of businesses operating in Thailand to environmental protection, decent working conditions, and the respect of human rights.

Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) and Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) are ways in which enterprises consider the impact of their operations on society. They are rooted in the UN principle that businesses have a responsibility to uphold and protect human and labour rights, even in environments where there are gaps in the relevant national law. Through CSR and RBC, firms affirm their principles and values in their internal and external methods and processes. The Responsible Supply Chains in Asia programme believes that CSR/RBC are an integral part of corporate management that can help businesses manage risk, promote inclusive growth and ensure decent work in international supply chains.

For more about the programme’s activities, please visit our regional programme overview.