The International Labour Organization (ILO) is working alongside Thailand's rubber sector to strengthen social protection for migrant workers and promote responsible business practices across the supply chain.
A workshop was held in Rayong on 25 September 2025 to boost understanding of social protection mechanisms and labour rights for migrant workers in the sector. It brought together over 100 participants from rubber plantations, processing plants, and manufacturing facilities in Rayong, and rubber-related sectors accross the country.
The workshop addressed gaps in the implementation of responsible business conduct. Particular attention was given to the importance of labour and social protection, including fair and legal recruitments and social security. In addition, participants exchanged good practices on basic and immediate measures to foster inclusion, particularly of migrant workers, within their organizations, and on approaches to integrate RBC across their supply chains.
Speaking at the event, Xiaoyan Qian, ILO Country Director of Thailand, Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic highlighted the global significance of Thailand's rubber sector: "This sector supplies essential materials to industries worldwide, from automotive manufacturing to healthcare. None of this would be possible without the dedication of workers, including migrant workers. By ensuring legal employment, fair conditions and safer workplaces, the government and businesses not only create better opportunities for migrant workers but also strengthen the resilience and reputation of Thailand's rubber industry."
Also speaking at the event, Ekasit Kunanantakul, President of ECOT said, "Extending social protection and ensuring the inclusion of migrant workers enhances business resilience, competitiveness and marketability, especially in the rubber sector, which is among Thailand's top exports. Equally important is the role of large companies in cascading responsible business practices to their suppliers, ensuring they are embedded throughout the supply chain in line with global market expectations."
Adding the provincial perspective, Amnuay Ngamnetr, Chief of Rayong Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare, underlined the local impact, "Rayong is a hub for Thailand's rubber industry, with plantations, processors, and manufacturers that engage a large number of migrant workers, alongside both multinational firms and SMEs. Strengthening social protection, improving working conditions and upgrading skills for migrant workers directly contribute to decent work, which in turn benefits not only businesses but also the provincial and national economy."
Thailand is the world's leading producer and exporter of natural rubber, generating approximately 4.7 million tonnes in 2022-23, which accounts for about one-third of global supply. The sector supports a significant share of the Thai agricultural economy, involving around 1.6 million rubber-farming households and over six million people across upstream, processing, and downstream activities. Migrant workers, particularly from Myanmar, play an essential role throughout the supply chain, often performing the most labour-intensive tasks.
The "Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in the Rubber Sector for Migrant Workers in the (Lower) Supply Chain," workshop was co-organized by the Rayong Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare, the Employers' Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) through its Responsible and Inclusive Supply Chains for Migrant Workers in Thailand (RISC-Migrant) project, with support by the Government of Japan.
© Jiraporn Wongpaithoon/ILO
