Page 112 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Voice

Mr. Bandit Thanchaisethavut, a 48-year-old workers’ rights activist, Director, Arom Pongpangan
Foundation explains that there has been significant progress over the years in the development
Mr. Bandit Thanchaisethavut, age 48 of Thai laws pertaining to the right to social security for workers. This includes the adoption of
Director, Arom Pongpangan Foundation
the Labour Protection Act (1998) and the Social Security Benefits Act (1990), respectively. Article
22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights addresses important issues relating to workers’
rights as well as a vast array of other rights and situations.

“These rights are Worker’s rights are closely linked to human dignity, he says. Despite important achievements in
Thailand in gradually ensuring the full enjoyment of these rights, Mr. Thanchaisethavut asserts
essential for the that several key obstacles remain, in particular, in the area of the enjoyment of social security
dignity and the free benefits. Although social security benefits in accordance with the Social Security Benefits Act
(1990) provide good coverage, they are only enjoyed by employees in the formal sector who
development of one’s have proper legal status, he explains.
personality”
A significant portion of Thailand’s workforce is found in the informal sector, which also employs
an important number of migrant workers, Mr. Thanchaisethavut adds. “In fact, migrant workers
are those who suffer most from rights violations, particularly in terms of payments, welfare etc.,”
he says. Migrant workers often lack legal status and therefore are not entitled to the same social
security benefits as others. “The right of workers to social security, as well as the progressive
realization of economic, social and cultural rights should also cover issues like workforce
protection, fair labour relations and safety in the workplace,” he says.

100 Dignity and Justice for All of Us