Report Thailand to Halve Workplace Fatalities with New “Safety Thailand” Vision

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Photo courtesy of IndustriALL Global Union

 

In a bold initiative to enhance workplace safety, Thailand's Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has launched the "Safety Thailand" vision, aiming to halve workplace fatalities within five years. Announced at the National Occupational Safety Day 2025 ceremony, the strategy seeks to reduce severe injuries from 2.13 to one per 1,000 workers and cut deaths from 5.3 to no more than three per 100,000 workers by 2030.

 

Highlighting the significance of workplace safety as a fundamental human right, Phiphat stressed the need for elevated safety standards in light of digital and AI-driven workplace transformations. "We must ensure that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of human lives," he asserted.

 

The event was attended by more than 300 participants, including representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), government officials, industry leaders, and safety network members. Phiphat outlined a comprehensive strategy, including stricter enforcement of labour laws, expanded public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of province-level safety networks to monitor local workplaces.

 

Acknowledging new challenges, the minister highlighted the necessity of preparing for natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, advocating for routine drills and effective emergency systems.

 

Phiphat specifically addressed chronic safety issues in Thailand's infrastructure projects, notably the hazardous conditions at construction sites on Rama II Road. He has tasked the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare with focusing on these areas.

 

In response, the department convened with project owners, contractors, and safety specialists on April 2 to enforce new risk controls. A dedicated task force has been formed to ensure compliance with engineering standards, safeguarding both workers and the public.

 

This initiative represents a significant step forward in Thailand’s commitment to safer working environments, aiming to protect human lives while maintaining economic growth.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-09