Trade unions from Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand strengthen cooperation to protect migrant workers' rights

Trade unions from Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand strengthen cooperation to protect migrant workers' rights

ILO welcomes trade union agreement to strengthen protection for migrant workers and advance decent work, social justice and fundamental rights.

30 July 2026

VIENTIANE (ILO News) - The Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) and the International Trade Union Confederation - Thailand Council (ITUC-TC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of migrant workers between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand.

Signed in Vientiane on 30 July 2026, the agreement established a framework for collaboration between the two workers' organizations for the period 2026 2030, with a focus on improving access to information, representation, legal assistance, social protection, and support services for migrant workers throughout the migration cycle.

The MOU reflects a shared commitment by LFTU and ITUC-TC to ensure that migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect and can access protection mechanisms regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or documentation status. Through strengthened cross-border cooperation, both organizations will work together to address labour rights violations, promote safe migration, support worker organizing, and enhance access to social protection and occupational safety and health services.

Under this MOU, the two organizations will establish a coordination committee to oversee implementation, facilitate cooperation among local trade unions, strengthen referral mechanisms, and support migrant workers through Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) and other assistance channels in both countries.

The MOU was signed by Manop Kue-rat, General Secretary of ITUC-TC, on behalf of ITUC-TC, and Chanphen Minaseng, Director General of Labour Protection Department, on behalf of LFTU.

"This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that no worker, regardless of where they come from, is left without protection. Through this partnership, ITUC-TC and LFTU are building a stronger labour protection for Lao migrant workers in Thailand," said Kue-rat, General Secretary of ITUC-TC.

"This signed Memorandum of Understanding is an important step forward for Lao workers who work abroad. It gives Lao migrant workers clearer channels to raise concerns, access legal and welfare support. We look forward to working closely with ITUC-TC to put these commitments into practice over the next four years," said Minaseng, Director General of Labour Protection Department of LFTU.

"This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone in strengthening cross-border cooperation for the protection of migrant workers. Through closer collaboration between workers' organizations in Lao PDR and Thailand, migrant workers will have greater access to information, representation, and support throughout their migration journey. The ILO welcomes this partnership, which reflects a shared commitment to promoting decent work, social justice, and fundamental rights for all workers," said Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific and Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The MOU will be jointly implemented and monitored through a coordination working group comprising representatives of LFTU and ITUC-TC, with participation from the ASEAN Trade Union Council (ASEAN TUC) and the ILO's Bureau for Workers' Activities (ILO ACTRAV) as advisory partners.

For more information, please contact:

Ravindra Chanaka Ramithadasa

Senior Workers' Activities Specialist, ILO

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