Listen to this articleAcademics and activists said over 40 million workers in Thailand remain stuck in low-paid, unsafe jobs with inadequate healthcare and social protection, urging parties to draft policies that ensure labour protection and fair employment. The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) teamed up with Thammasat University, the Friends of Women Foundation and a broad network of civil society organisations to press parties to place labour and health rights high on their agenda ahead of the general election, during an academic forum held yesterday at Thammasat University. Poranee Pupprasert, assistant manager of ThaiHealth, cited National Statistical Office highlighted Thailand's rapidly ageing workforce. Its 13 million elderly people is a figure projected to rise by 32% over the next 20 years, and more than 20% of informal workers are already aged 60 or older, she said. Asst Prof Krissada Teerakosolpong, of Thammasat University, said this policy proposal ensures income stability for workers of all ages as economic, technological and demographic shifts have outpaced labour laws, leaving many workers exposed to insecurity and weak bargaining power.

Source: Bangkok Post January 19, 2026 00:50 UTC