According to Thailand’s Department of Employment, more than 226,000 Thai nationals were leaving for work overseas, as of March this year. Overseas employment offers income opportunities, but workers face migration costs, recruitment-related debt, unclear employment contracts, risks of exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and barriers to legal assistance and compensation in countries like Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, Sweden, Finland and Japan. So, what changes in policies could strengthen protection for them?
The Mahidol Migration Centre–Joint Research Unit is launching its ‘Policy Brief: Reforming Workers Protection for Thai Workers Abroad’. MMC-JRU is proposing improvements to recruitment fees, policy coordination and pre-departure preparation, plus transnational portable justice, and considering a ‘Zero placement fee’ policy to reduce workers’ financial burdens. This brief is based on field research and a policy dialogue with government, the private sector, and Thai workers on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at the Best Western Hotel in Chatuchak, Bangkok.
The panel respondents include Thai unionized workers, academic experts, advocates, and an Israeli NGO based on the experiences and challenges of Thais who have worked abroad. The panel will follow with opportunities for questions and discussion. Government and members of the private sector that attended the previous policy dialogue have been invited to join. And journalists are invited to attend.
Join us for a lively session with:
Panel respondents:
Dr Supang Chantavanich, professor of sociology and former director of the Institute of Asian Studies and the Asian Research Centre for Migration, Chulalongkorn University.
Ms Maliwan Athanu, secretary of the Migrant Workers Union of Thailand (MWUT).
Ms Junya “Lek” Yimprasert, international coordinator of MWUT and author of Bloodberries: Hidden Slavery in the World’s Happiest Nations.
Adv Orit Ronen, manager of the migrant workers in agriculture, construction, industry and services department, Kav LaOved, Israel.
Brief co-authors and moderators:
Dr Sudarat Musikawong, associate professor of sociology and principal investigator of MMC-JRU, Mahidol University.
Ms Reena Tadee, research specialist, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University.
Free admission to all, but no refreshments provided: https://forms.gle/1LfNhENDwnw7V4NE7
Inquiries in English: Ms Yamin | yamintheintps1997@gmail.com
Inquiries in Thai: Ms Reena Tadee | reena.tad@mahidol.ac.th
