Social dialogue training strengthens decent work and human rights due diligence in Thailand’s auto sector

BANGKOK, Thailand (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) is scaling up its efforts to support resilience and sustainability in Thailand’s automotive industry through an expanded industry training initiative. Following the launch of its Driving Industry Dialogue toolkit in 2024, the first of its kind in the automotive sector, and an associated company mentoring programme, the new training will further strengthen industrial relations and responsible business conduct across the automotive supply chain.

Following earlier training and mentoring in 2024, the ILO’s Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) project in Thailand which is funded by Japan, received growing requests from automotive and auto-parts companies for further capacity building. This reflects a growing recognition of the role of social dialogue and good workplace relations in helping companies manage disruption, navigate transitions, and adapt to new supply chain requirements.

In response, and in collaboration with the Employer’s Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), the ILO has organized its second round of social dialogue training. The training, convened on 14-15 March 2025, engaged over 40 participants from automotive-related supply chain companies within Pathum Thani province. With the established guidelines as a foundation, the training serves as a crucial complementary step toward improving bipartite cooperation between employers and workers in promoting decent work and preparing the industry for increasing human rights due diligence regulations.

“Social dialogue and effective labour relations are key to decent work and business success. They can also underpin effective ‘due diligence’ processes, allowing workers and management to jointly address risks and resolve workplace problems for mutual gain.” said David Williams, manager of the ILO’s RISSC project.

Thailand is one of the world’s leading automotive producers and exporters, with the industry serving as a key pillar of the national economy. Home to a range of leading international automakers, the industry relies on a vast and complex supply chain consisting of both domestic and international suppliers. Accounting for approximately 10 percent of Thailand’s GDP, the automotive sector provides employment to nearly a million workers.

© ILO

© ILO

For further information please contact:

Noppavut Pravat
National Project Coordinator
Email: [email protected]