HUMAN RIGHTS DUE DILIGENCE IN THAILAND'S CONSTRUCTION: PROTECTING MYANMAR MIGRANT WORKERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/acsr.2025.9Keywords:
Human Rights Due Diligence, Migrant Workers, Construction Sector, Labor Exploitation, ThailandAbstract
This study examines the effectiveness of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) and grievance mechanisms in Thailand's construction sector, focusing on the experiences of Myanmar migrant workers in Bangkok. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through document analysis and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal significant gaps in HRDD implementation, leading to unethical recruitment, undocumented labor, limited access to social welfare, and exploitation within the subcontractor system. Despite policy rhetoric on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts, there is an apparent disconnect between governmental commitments and on-the-ground realities. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in stakeholder engagement and driving change. The research suggests sustainable reforms, aligned with Thailand's National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, to ensure corporate responsibility is an ethical and legal obligation. It calls for enhanced enforcement, streamlined documentation processes, and improved collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society to protect the rights and well-being of migrant workers in the Thai construction industry.
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