Manufacturing companies in Chonburi and neighbouring provinces are exploring actionable ways to strengthen maternity protection, support workers with care responsibilities and prevent violence and harassment at work. These measures can improve working conditions, help women remain in and return to employment, support workforce participation and productivity, and contribute to Thailand's inclusive economic growth.
Over 50 manufacturing companies from Chonburi and other key manufacturing provinces across Thailand, including the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), took part in the workshop on labour rights and decent work, focusing on maternity protection and prevention of violence and harassment for women workers in the manufacturing sector. Each company was represented by both management and worker representatives, bringing together over 120 participants in total.
Women workers in Thailand continue to face challenges in accessing equal opportunities and decent work, including unequal pay, exposure to violence and harassment, and a disproportionate share of unpaid care work. Maternity protection, recognized under ILO Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183), is a core element of social protection and gender equality at work, safeguarding women's health, employment security and income while supporting the wellbeing of both mother and child.
Following Thailand's extension of statutory maternity leave from 98 to 120 days, effective 7 December 2025, the workshop explored how enterprises could complement the legislative reform by strengthening workplace policies and practices that support women workers across the employment lifecycle, from recruitment and maternity to return to work and career progression. The workshop highlighted that investing in maternity protection and care is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic investment in Thailand's workforce and economy. Effective support can help enterprises attract and retain skilled workers, reduce disruption linked to workforce turnover and strengthen a more inclusive and productive workforce. This is particularly important as Thailand faces demographic change, an ageing population and the need to make better use of its available human capital.
Representatives from government and the ILO underscored the importance of continued collaboration to advance labour rights and decent work for women workers.
"Chonburi is one of the core areas of the Eastern Economic Corridor, a strategic zone for industrial development and investment. But our province does not focus on economic growth alone - we place equal emphasis on environmental and social development, especially the quality of life and the rights of the workers who drive our industries," said Chaiyaporn Paepirormrat, Deputy Governor of Chonburi. "I am confident that the knowledge and recommendations generated by this workshop will be of great benefit to enterprises and will help raise labour standards in Chonburi even further."
Through presentations, interactive discussions and group work, participants examined hands-on approaches to exploring the business case for investing in maternity protection and support for workers with care responsibilities, and discussed how good workplace practices - from maternity leave and childcare support to safe and respectful working environments - can be strengthened and expanded across industries.
"Maternity protection is a fundamental labour right and an essential component of decent work. Women should never have to choose between having a family and having a career," said Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. "Care is not a cost. Care is an investment in people, productivity and prosperity. When we invest in maternity protection and care, businesses are better able to attract and retain talent, improve productivity and compete for the future "
The workshop was co-organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the EnhanceRights project, the Employers' Confederation of Thailand (ECOT) and the Chonburi Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), with support from the Government of Japan. This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that economic development in the EEC is accompanied by decent work, stronger labour standards and workplaces where all workers can participate and thrive.
Chonburi Province, a hub of the EEC and one of Thailand's leading centres for manufacturing investment, is encouraging enterprises to go beyond legal minimums in supporting women workers before and after childbirth, as part of a long-term approach to industrial development that balances economic growth with decent work and worker wellbeing.
© Pichit Phromkade/ILO
