“Who is going to believe us?” Work-related sexual harassment in Thailand, with a focus on women migrant workers

In June 2019, the ILO Conference adopted the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), which affirms workers’ right to be free from violence and harassment in the world of work. Convention No. 190 entered into force on 25 June 2021 and is open for ratification. This is the culmination of decades of social change and campaigning. Women’s contributions to the workforce and public life are increasingly valued. Tolerance for violence against women is increasingly unacceptable. Violence and harassment in the workplace is most often experienced by women, and it devalues their contributions. Freedom from sexual harassment in the world of work is a human right.

The time is right to make improvements in law and practice to ensure this right is protected. This study delves into the legal context of sexual violence and harassment experienced by women workers in Thailand.

The study reviews laws, policies, and cases, as well as barriers to redress and remediation for those who have experienced sexual harassment. Data for this report comes from the review of international jurisprudence; study of the relevant laws and research in Thailand; interviews with 32 experts from legal, governmental and non-governmental organizations; as well as small group discussions and interviews with 33 women migrant workers.