ILO holds discussion on pathways to strengthen the social and solidarity economy in Thailand

Participants reviewed the key findings and policy recommendations of the study on the social and solidarity economy (SSE) in Thailand at a hybrid meeting on May 24, 2024. Participants included representatives from the government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and SSE supporting organizations.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Jittima Srisuknam, Senior Programme Officer for ILO Bangkok stated the objective of the meeting is to receive feedback on the draft findings of the study on the social and solidarity economy in Thailand. She noted that the study is the first of its kind in Thailand that maps social and solidarity economy entities and explores how these entities contribute to decent work and sustainable development. Ms. Srisuknam remarked that concrete actions based on the study findings can contribute towards realizing Thailand’s Decent Work Country Programme 2023-27 and inform future interventions in Thailand.

Ms. Heejin Ahn, Technical Officer of ILO Bangkok, informed participants about the international tripartite definition of the social and solidarity economy that is included in the Resolution concerning decent work and the social and solidarity economy adopted at the 110th International Labour Conference (ILC) in 2022.

She noted that a set of values and principles give coherence to the SSE. Ms. Ahn informed the participants that the regional workshop “Social and Solidarity Economy for Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia” will take place iBangkok, Thailand and online on 18-19 June 2024, where study findings from four countries, including Thailand, will be presented.

Mr. Akkanut Wantanasombut, researcher at Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University and national consultant for the study presented the preliminary findings of the study. He stated that the social and solidarity economy in Thailand comprise of cooperatives, community enterprises, social enterprises, associations, foundations and savings groups, and other entities that operate according to values and principles of the social and solidarity economy, as per the ILC and UN definition.

Mr. Wantanasombut noted that the historical roots of the social and solidarity economy in Thailand are influenced by Buddhist teachings, and there are similar terms, such as sufficiency economy philosophy, grassroots economy, and social enterprises in Thailand. Mr. Wantanasombut showcased good examples of SSE entities that contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals, such as the Suphanburi Garbage Revolution Community Enterprise in Suphanburi province, Thailand that manages plastic waste in an innovative and sustainable way, by turning plastic into fuel. The enterprise is owned and managed by the members, and the enterprise educates its members on waste management, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility at local community level. Another example he noted is the Zero Baht Plus shop, which adopts a circular economy concept where members can bring trash to the local shop to receive coupons, that can be used to purchase products at the shop.

Mr. Wantanasombut mentioned that Thailand is conducive to promoting the social and solidarity economy, with the rising demand for sustainable and ethical products, technological advancements, and increasing interest from the government, impact investors, and the public. To strengthen the SSE in Thailand, Mr. Wantanasombut shared preliminary recommendations to the government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, national SSE movements and development partners, including the UN agencies in general and the ILO in particular. The recommendations include:

• establishing a clear and comprehensive legal and regulatory framework,
• enhancing access to finance and resources,
• promoting public awareness, and understanding, and
• fostering collaboration and networking among SSE entities and beyond.

A round of question and answer and open discussion ensued the presentations. Participants suggested a follow-up study on how the social and solidarity economy can support the transition from the informal to the formal economy, especially on extending the social protection coverage to informal workers; clarifying the boundaries for the social and solidarity economy to facilitate the establishment of appropriate policy and legal frameworks, and supportive measures. All participants agreed more awareness raising is needed on the concept of the SSE in Thailand and expressed interest in promoting the SSE in partnership with key stakeholders, including the ILO.