Thailand Boosts Youth Protection With Safe Jobs and Skills Training

Labour Ministry implements three measures: safe holiday jobs, vocational training for non-students, and labour rights education. Strict child labour laws will be enforced, with workplaces encouraged to declare themselves child labour-free to boost international confidence and ensure youth well-being.

Key Points

• The Labour Ministry is launching three proactive initiatives: promoting safe holiday work for over 10,000 students, offering vocational skills training for non-students, and educating youth on labour rights and safety to prevent exploitation.
• Strict child labour laws, prohibiting employment under 15 and regulating work for 15-17 year olds, will be enforced. Workplaces are encouraged to declare themselves child labour-free to align with international standards.
• This comprehensive approach emphasizes creating opportunities, education, and skill development alongside law enforcement to ensure children’s safety, well-being, and full potential.

Safe Holiday Work for Youth

The Labour Ministry is proactively addressing child labour and enhancing youth well-being through three primary initiatives. The first focuses on providing safe and legal employment opportunities during school holidays. By partnering with over 56 major national businesses, the ministry is facilitating more than 10,000 positions for students. This program enables young people to gain valuable work experience and earn income while ensuring they are protected under existing labour laws, thereby preventing them from falling into exploitative work during their breaks.

Skills Development for Future Employment

The second strategic measure targets young individuals who do not pursue further academic studies by equipping them with vocational skills. This initiative aims to facilitate a transition from unskilled labour to skilled employment, thereby improving their long-term career prospects and economic stability. Collaborating with educational institutions, the ministry will provide necessary support and training before these young people enter the formal labour market, ensuring they are better prepared and more competitive.

Empowerment Through Rights Education and Strict Enforcement

The third measure involves educating young people on their labour rights and workplace safety protocols, empowering them to recognize and resist exploitation. Complementing these proactive measures, the government reaffirms its commitment to strict enforcement of existing child labour laws, which prohibit employment for those under 15 and impose stringent welfare and safety regulations for those aged 15 to 17. Furthermore, workplaces are being encouraged to voluntarily declare themselves child-labour-free, aligning Thai labour standards with international expectations and bolstering global trade confidence.

Source : Thailand steps up child-labour protection with safe jobs and skills training

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