Thailand builds safer and healthier workplaces in the age of digitalization

BANGKOK (ILO News) – Thailand reaffirmed its strong commitment to workplace safety and health in the digital era during this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, held on April 28. Organized by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare at its OSH Division building in Bangkok, the hybrid event underscored Thailand’s proactive role in using technology to protect workers and improve occupational safety and health (OSH).

With the theme “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,” the event brought together over 40 in-person participants—tripartite partners, OSH professionals, students, the public, and representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The session was also livestreamed, expanding its reach to broader audiences.

Chief Inspector Sakdisilpa Tuladhorn from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare opened the event by highlighting the Thai Government’s ongoing efforts to integrate innovation responsibly into the workplace. “We are committed to promoting a safe and healthy working environment that embraces innovation while safeguarding workers’ rights,” Tuladhorn stated. He stressed the importance of balanced collaboration between government, employers, and workers to ensure that technology enhances—not endangers—worker well-being.

Thailand’s platform economy has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by AI and digitalization. While these advancements offer productivity gains and new safety tools, they also introduce OSH challenges, particularly for platform and gig workers. Many of these workers operate outside traditional protection systems and are frequently exposed to environmental and psychological stressors. Dr Yuka Ujita, ILO Senior Specialist on OSH, pointed out that delivery workers, for instance, often face intense pressure and harsh weather conditions. She emphasized that algorithmic systems must support, not replace, human judgment.

Panel discussions at the Bangkok event showcased how Thai companies and regulators are applying digital tools to improve OSH outcomes. From AI-powered inspection targeting to wearable safety devices, the integration of technology is becoming a defining feature of Thailand’s modern workplace safety strategies.

To support these efforts, the ILO’s “Promoting a Safe and Healthy Working Environment in Thailand and Cambodia” project—funded by the Government of Japan—distributed resources such as the Thai translation of the SafeDay2025 report’s executive summary and its Heat Health at Work awareness tool. These materials aim to equip Thai stakeholders with knowledge and practical tools to confront heat stress and other risks linked to climate and digital shifts.

Thailand’s commitment to international labour standards also remains firm. Having ratified the ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health Convention No. 187 and moving closer to ratifying Convention No. 155, the country continues to align national frameworks with global benchmarks to address evolving OSH challenges.

By prioritizing both innovation and inclusivity, Thailand is taking tangible steps to shape safer, healthier workplaces in the digital era—setting an example for others across the region.

For further information please contact:

Phattaraset Ardchawuthikulawong
National Project Coordinator
Email: [email protected]