ILO training strengthens human rights due diligence in Thailand's automotive and electronics sectors

CHONBURI, Thailand (ILO News) - A new dialogue-driven training programme on human rights due diligence (HRDD) is helping Thailand's automotive and electronics industries strengthen workplace cooperation and social dialogue. The programme equips companies with practical skills to implement effective HRDD as regulatory requirements continue to expand across global supply chains.

Implemented by the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Advancing Responsible Supply Chains and Decent Work in Asia (RSC) project, with support from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the training programme began in June 2026 and will continue throughout the year. More than 50 companies from Thailand's automotive, auto-parts and electronics supply chains are expected to participate.

Rather than a one-off awareness event, the programme is designed as an intensive, dialogue-driven process that builds practical systems for identifying and addressing human rights risks at the workplace level. Participating companies represent a strategic cross-section of the supply chain - from OEMs to lower-tier suppliers - and include enterprises integrated into Japanese multinational supply chains. As many participating companies influence extensive supplier networks, the programme's impact is expected to extend well beyond direct participants.

The programme brings together managers, human resources professionals, trade union and worker representatives, along with government officials to build practical skills in bilateral social dialogue and workplace cooperation. Grounded in international labour standards, the training supports companies in identifying, preventing and addressing human rights risks through meaningful engagement between employers and workers, helping them meet growing HRDD expectations while strengthening industrial relations.

On 13-14 July 2026, more than 40 participants from the automotive and electronics supply chains took part in the latest training session alongside representatives from the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) and the Department of Skill Development (DSD). The programme focused on practical approaches to strengthening dialogue between management and workers as a foundation for effective HRDD implementation.

Representatives from government and industry highlighted the importance of workplace dialogue in strengthening responsible business practices.

"Participating in this dialogue-driven HRDD training directly supports the government's vision of developing the Eastern Economic Corridor into a sustainable model of integrated economic and social development," said Sudkaneung Somboonwong, Deputy Director of the Incentive Management Division at the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO). "By bringing together management and worker representatives from Thailand's automotive and electronics sectors, the training strengthens the collaboration and social dialogue needed to address human rights risks effectively. This will help industries respond to evolving global requirements while strengthening Thailand's long-term competitiveness."

Participating companies will develop enterprise-specific HRDD improvement plans and, through the project's mentoring component, receive tailored follow-up support to put them into practice. Findings from the programme will also inform Thailand's first mandatory human rights due diligence law (the Draft Act on the Promotion of Responsible Business Conduct), currently under development, ensuring practical enterprise experience contributes to its development and implementation.

Kanda Hongklam, Human Resources Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Thai Auto-Parts Co., Ltd., said: "This training has shown us that effective human rights due diligence depends on strong dialogue between management and workers. By working together to identify and address risks, we can strengthen our business practices, improve transparency and better meet the expectations of global customers and business partners."

Thailand's automotive and electronics industries are among the among the country's leading export industries and play a critical role in global supply chains. Together they employ around 1.45 million workers and are central to Thailand's transition towards higher-value manufacturing, including electric and zero-emission vehicles.

Together, these sectors underscore Thailand's strategic role in global supply chains and its transition to higher-value manufacturing.