2020 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Thailand

 
Moderate Advancement

In 2020, Thailand made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. During the reporting period, the government made its Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force into a permanent agency, and led the biggest and most successful online child sexual exploitation sting operations in Thailand. The government also collaborated closely with U.S. law enforcement agencies and other partners, leading to 97 arrests for the commercial sexual exploitation of children and the rescue of 43 children. In total, Thai police rescued 72 children from commercial sexual exploitation in 2020. In addition, the government enacted a law that sets the minimum age for workers employed as deep sea divers at 18 years old and proposed an amendment allowing teenage children of boat captains to intern only on their family's fishing boats. The government also piloted its first shelter to provide services specifically to LGBTQI+ victims. However, children in Thailand are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children, some as young as age 12, also participate for remuneration in Muay Thai competitions, an area of hazardous work in which there is evidence of serious head injuries. Although the government made meaningful efforts in all relevant areas during the reporting period, it does not meet the international standard for the minimum age for work because the law does not grant protections to children working outside of formal employment relationships. Enforcement of child labor laws also remains a challenge due to an insufficient number of inspectors and resources to physically inspect remote workplaces in informal sectors.

I. Prevalence and Sectoral Distribution of Child Labor

Children in Thailand are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children, some as young as age 12, also participate for remuneration in Muay Thai competitions, an area of hazardous work in which there is evidence of serious head injuries. (1-16) Table 1 provides key indicators on children's work and education in Thailand.

Table 1. Statistics on Children's Work and Education

Children

Age

Percent

Working (% and population)

5 to 14

13.0 (1,302,267)

Attending School (%)

5 to 14

96.3

Combining Work and School (%)

7 to 14

14.4

Primary Completion Rate (%)

 

94.4

Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2019, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2021. (17)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization’s analysis of statistics from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 3 (MICS 3), 2005–2006.
(18)

Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.

Table 2. Overview of Children's Work by Sector and Activity

Sector/Industry

Activity

Agriculture

Processing shrimp and seafood† (4,19-21)

 

Fishing, including work performed on sea vessels† (4,20,22,23)

 

Planting and harvesting sugarcane (19,24-26)

 

Production of rubber and pineapples (27)

Industry

Manufacturing, including garment production (4,28)

 

Working in poultry factories, and working on pig farms (16,29)

 

Construction, including transporting cement and bricks (4,16,19,30,31)

Services

Domestic work (27,32)

 

Work in restaurants, motorcycle repair shops, and gas stations (4,16,19,33,34)

 

Street work, including begging and vending (4,16,23,35,36)

 

Muay Thai fighting (2-4,6-12,14,16,37,38)

Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡

Commercial sexual exploitation, including use in the production of pornography, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (1,4,5,23,32,33,39-42)

 

Forced labor in vending, begging, and domestic work, each sometimes as a result of human trafficking (4,5,16,28,32)

 

Forced labor in the production of garments, in agriculture, and in shrimp and seafood processing (4,40)

 

Fishing, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (4,22,28,32,43)

 

Use in the production and trafficking of drugs, including amphetamines, kratom, and marijuana (4,27,40)

† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of ILO C. 182.
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.

Thai children and children from Burma, Laos, and Cambodia, are subjected to commercial sexual exploitation in Thai massage parlors, bars, karaoke lounges, hotels, and private residences. In addition, children are increasingly being individually lured by predators online through social media and private chat rooms, and being coerced to produce pornography and perform sexual acts. (4,5,23,32,33,39,44,45)

Incidents of child labor in the shrimp and seafood processing industry have decreased in recent years, but children, particularly migrants from the Greater Mekong Subregion, continue to engage in hazardous work in this industry. (4,20,21,32,43,46,47) Children engaged in shrimp and seafood processing work late hours cleaning and lifting heavy loads of seafood and experience health problems such as physical injuries and chronic diseases. (48) Similarly, children working in agriculture face health risks from lifting heavy loads, risk injury from operating dangerous machinery and using sharp equipment, and are exposed to pesticides, sun and heat, and long hours from very early in the morning until nighttime. (16,27) Thai and migrant children who accompany their parents working in the construction sector are exposed to child labor at and around construction sites, including performing construction work or working as caretakers for younger children or as housekeepers. (4,30,31,49) Based on NGO reporting and the fact that the Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) Task Force received a 121 percent increase in tips, there was an increase in the number of cases of online sexual exploitation of children, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and students being out of school. (13,23)In response to this increase, the government made TICAC into a permanent agency in September 2020. During the reporting period, TICAC increased its efforts to combat and investigate online sexual exploitation of children. (13,23)

Children also participate in Muay Thai competitions, an area of work in which there is evidence of serious head injuries, including deteriorated nerve fibers around the brain stem and a fatal 2018 case of a brain hemorrhage for a 13-year-old boy participating in Muay Thai. Children receive remuneration in the form of prize money or wages, and research found that betting and illegal gambling on the outcome of children’s matches occurs often during Muay Thai competitions. (2,4,6,12,14,37) The Royal Thai Government began drafting its Boxing Act Amendment in 2018, but currently the draft amendment to add a minimum age requirement for Muay Thai is being considered by the Sport Committee at the House of Representatives. No changes were enacted to the Thai Boxing Act as of December 2020. (4,16,38,50-52)

Order No. 28/2559 of the National Council for Peace and Order ensures 15 years of free education for all children in Thailand. Language barriers cause some children, particularly migrants and ethnic minorities, to struggle to access basic education, as school applications are only available in Thai. (4,40,50,53) Although children without identity documents or a registered address cannot be denied enrollment in public schools, research found that there is a lack of clarity among school officials regarding the type of documentation non-Thai students need to possess to enroll in school, which may be a barrier to education access. (4,54,55) The government published an Education Ministerial Proclamation and the Guideline on Enrollment of Non-Thai Children to help clarify the rules and regulations pertaining to enrollment of children in school. (29,56,57) In 2020, the Thai Government also conducted workshops on these guidelines to increase knowledge among school officials. (52) Children identifying as LGBTQI+ and those experiencing poverty, drug addiction, family problems, and teen pregnancy, may have additional barriers to education access due to increased harassment and bullying, which may increase their risk of dropping out of school and engaging in child labor. (58-60) Due to the pandemic, migrant schools were closed, which led many migrant students to seek jobs in the seafood industry. (61)

II. Legal Framework for Child Labor

Thailand has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).

Table 3. Ratification of International Conventions on Child Labor

Convention

Ratification

ILO C. 138, Minimum Age

ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor

UN CRC

UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict

UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons

The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Thailand's legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including not meeting the international standard for the minimum age for work.

Table 4. Laws and Regulations on Child Labor

Standard

Meets International Standards

Age

Legislation

Minimum Age for Work

No

15

Chapter 4, Section 44 of the Labor Protection Act; Section 148/1 of the Labor Protection Act (No. 5) (62,63)

Minimum Age for Hazardous Work

Yes

18

Chapter 4, Sections 49–50 of the Labor Protection Act; Section 148/2 of the Labor Protection Act (No. 5); Chapter 2, Article 26(6) of the Child Protection Act; Chapter 4, Section 20 of the Home Workers Protection Act (62-65)

Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children

Yes

 

Chapter 4, Sections 49–50 of the Labor Protection Act; Clause 4 of the Ministerial Regulation concerning Labor Protection in Sea Fishery Work; Clause 2 of the Ministerial Regulation Identifying Tasks that may be Hazardous to the Health and Safety of Pregnant Women or Children Under the Age of Fifteen Years (62,66,67)

Prohibition of Forced Labor

Yes

 

Sections 312 and 312 bis of the Penal Code; Section 6/1 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (No. 3); Sections 1 and 2 of the Amendment of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (68,69,70)

Prohibition of Child Trafficking

Yes

 

Sections 282–283 of the Penal Code; Section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (No. 3) (68,69)

Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Yes

 

Section 8 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act; Section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (No. 3); Sections 282 and 285–287 of the Penal Code; Section 26 of the Child Protection Act; Amendment to the Penal Code Act No. 24 (64,68,71,72,73)

Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities

Yes

 

Section 26 of the Child Protection Act; Section 93 of the Narcotics Act; Section 84 of the Penal Code; Section 22 of the Beggar Control Act (64,74-76)

Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment

Yes

18

Section 25 of the Military Service Act (77)

Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military

Yes

 

Section 25 of the Military Service Act (77)

Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups

No

   

Compulsory Education Age

Yes

16

Section 17 of the National Education Act (78)

Free Public Education

Yes

 

Section 10 of the National Education Act (78)

During the reporting period, the Government of Thailand enacted the Implementation on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment for Diving Work 2020, an implementing regulation for Article 8, paragraph 1 of the Act on Occupational Safety, Heath and Working Environment 2011. The new law, which came in to force July 19, 2020, sets the minimum age for workers employed in diving work at 18 years old. (16) The government also proposed an amendment that would allow owners of fishing boats to employ relatives as young as 16 as interns, even though Thailand has identified fishing on sea vessels as a form of hazardous labor. (15,79)

The minimum age for work does not comply with international standards because the law does not grant protections to children working outside of employment relationships. In addition, because the minimum age for work is lower than the compulsory education age, some children may be encouraged to leave school before the completion of compulsory education. (62,63,78)

III. Enforcement of Laws on Child Labor

The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.

Table 5. Agencies Responsible for Child Labor Law Enforcement

Organization/Agency

Role

Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) of the Ministry of Labor (MOL)

Enforces child labor laws through workplace inspections. (27) Operates Hotline 1509 and staffs 86 labor protection and welfare offices in every province to answer questions about working conditions and receive complaints from the public about child labor. (4,50,80) During the reporting period, received 260 calls related to child labor violations, most of which were related to the employment of children under the minimum age for work. (16) In 2020, agency's labor inspectors filed charges against 10 enterprises for child labor law violations, specifically for employing 44 children under the minimum age for work. Also during the reporting period, began drafting a Ministerial Regulation on Fishery Worker Protection, which is under consideration by the Sub-Committee on the Scrutiny of Laws related to Fishery Sector and Fishery Works. (16)

Anti-Human Trafficking Units

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) enforces laws related to forced labor, human trafficking, child pornography, and commercial sexual exploitation of children, and operates Hotline 191 to receive complaints on human trafficking and violence against children. (80,81) The Department of Trafficking in Persons Litigation under the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigates human trafficking offenses, including cases of labor, sex, and child trafficking, and monitors provincial human trafficking cases to improve the quality of prosecutions. (50,82,83) The Thailand Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (TATIP) investigates and enforces laws against human trafficking in the sex trade and mainstream industries. TATIP teams comprise police officers, social workers, and selected NGO representatives. (50,82,83) The Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime is tasked with enforcing and investigating human trafficking cases. (4,49) In 2020, DSI and the Department of Provincial Administration held workshops to enhance capacity in suppressing and preventing child sexual exploitations and online human trafficking. (23) OAG, in collaboration with an NGO, also held a 3-day seminar on the process of prosecution of human trafficking and online child exploitation. Seminar participants helped develop a handbook for law enforcement officers and a Standard Operating Procedure that would form a basis for Memorandum of Understanding between agencies related to anti-human trafficking agencies. (23)

Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (TICAC)

Investigates and enforces laws against child trafficking and the online sexual exploitation of children, including the distribution and production of child pornography. (4,5,23,84) Comprises police officers, DSI agents, social workers, and selected NGO representatives. (4,29,49,82,83) In September 2020, was established as a permanent subdivision under the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, now also referred to as the Anti-Online Child Sexual Exploitation Subdivision. (84) While the task force previously consisted of an ad hoc group of officers from other divisions who also had other main responsibilities, the new subdivision has 17 dedicated officers. TICAC also collaborated closely with U.S. law enforcement agencies and other partners, leading to the rescue of over 43 children and 97 arrests. (84) In 2020, investigated 94 cases, and launched a nationwide cyber sting operation in response to the uptick in the number of online child exploitation cases, leading to 44 arrests and 9 search operations across 24 provinces, and uncovering over 150,000 files of child sexual abuse material involving over 100 children. This was the biggest and most successful operation to combat online child sexual exploitation in Thailand to date. (23,84,85) In total, Thai police rescued 72 children from commercial sexual exploitation in 2020. (16) In conjunction with the Human Trafficking Police Division, Office of the Attorney General, and Hug Project Foundation, organized a new project which provides training and information on how to prevent victimization and exploitation of children in the production and distribution of pornographic media. (16)

Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS)

Enforces child protection laws through close collaboration with the RTP, DSI, DLPW, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; operates Hotline 1300, which receives human trafficking and child labor complaints. Operates 76 temporary shelters located in every province and 9 long-term shelters for human trafficking victims, including a shelter dedicated solely to boys. (4,5,32,64,86) In 2020, piloted its first shelter area that provides services dedicated specifically to LGBTQI+ victims. (23,84) During the reporting, the average length of victims’ stays in shelters also decreased, from an average of 288 days to 158 in 2020, due to improving prosecution and reintegration processes. As of 2020, all shelters employed psychologists, provided victims with access to communication devices, and increased financial assistance and funds for personal expenses. (23,84)

Even though the incidence of child labor law violations has decreased in the shrimp and seafood processing sectors, Thailand continues to closely monitor the industry for child labor through 32 Port In-Port Out (PIPO) Centers and 19 Forward Inspection Points (FIP) along the coasts. These operations enforce laws related to fishing, forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. (4,21,22,29,47,49)

During the reporting period, the government also set up a joint Thailand-U.S. task force as a platform for exchanging information and updates on Thailand’s progress in combating trafficking in persons and discussing ways to further cooperate. The task force met twice in 2020. (84) TICAC, along with NGOs, private sector partners, and the Thai Media Fund, produced "The Leaked," a series of three short films to raise awareness among youth on the threat of online sexual exploitation, which was broadcast on social media, and received over 1.5 million views and 73,000 subscribers. (23)

Labor Law Enforcement

In 2020, labor law enforcement agencies in Thailand took actions to combat child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including human resource allocation.

Table 6. Labor Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Labor Law Enforcement

2019

2020

Labor Inspectorate Funding

$992,428 (4)

$1,135,774 (16)

Number of Labor Inspectors

1,813 (4)

1,889 (16)

Inspectorate Authorized to Assess Penalties

Yes (62)

Yes (62)

Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Refresher Courses Provided

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Number of Labor Inspections Conducted

42,956 (4)

39,723 (16)

Number Conducted at Worksite

42,956 (4)

39,723 (16)

Number of Child Labor Violations Found

360 (4)

10 (16)

Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed

65 (29)

10 (16)

Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected

16 (29)

10 (16)

Routine Inspections Conducted

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Routine Inspections Targeted

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Unannounced Inspections Permitted

Yes (62)

Yes (62)

Unannounced Inspections Conducted

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Complaint Mechanism Exists

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

The number of labor inspectors is insufficient for the size of Thailand's workforce, which includes approximately 38.45 million workers. According to the ILO’s technical advice of a ratio approaching 1 inspector for every 15,000 workers in developing economies, Thailand would employ about 2,558 labor inspectors. (87,88)

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) has authority over the Command Center for Combating Illegal Fishing's (CCCIF) PIPO and FIP operations and the mandate to enforce Thai labor laws on fishing vessels—including stopping, searching, detaining, and arresting violators on vessels—within Thai waters or those fleeing to international waters. (4,5,16,29,80,89) The Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) continued to use mobile inspection teams that consisted of labor inspectors, a legal affairs officer, interpreters, and sometimes employees from the Departments of Special Investigation; Employment; and Fisheries. (27,53) Although CCCIF and DLPW have made efforts to actively exchange information with NGOs, research indicated that CCCIF and DLPW have not made efforts to reach out to migrant community NGOs or networks to exchange information on high-risk workplaces or provide training on child labor issues. (27,50) Child labor inspections in informal sectors remain insufficient due to labor inspectors' inability to access remote work places and safety concerns for inspectors. Pandemic related restrictions on movements also inhibited inspections in the formal and informal sectors. (16)

Criminal Law Enforcement

In 2020, criminal law enforcement agencies in Thailand took actions to combat child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the criminal enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including training for criminal investigators.

Table 7. Criminal Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement

2019

2020

Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Refresher Courses Provided

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Number of Investigations

Unknown (4)

Unknown (16)

Number of Violations Found

2,425 (4)

Unknown (16)

Number of Prosecutions Initiated

71 (4)

26 (16)

Number of Convictions

Unknown (4)

Unknown (16)

Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to The Worst Forms of Child Labor

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services

Yes (4)

Yes (16)

Research indicated that there is a lack of understanding of the use of male children in commercial sexual exploitation among some provincial government and court officials due to the notion that boys are stronger than girls and should be able to defend themselves against perpetrators. In addition, there is no training provided to officials specifically covering victim assistance for boys. (5,29,52) However, the Thai government has established a shelter specifically for boys who are victims of human trafficking. In 2020, the MSDHS worked with Save the Children Foundation and Thailand Association of Social Workers to conduct monthly trainings for the shelter staff over 2 to 5 days. (52)These training consisted of both online and physical training at the shelter depending on the situation and the issue of exploitation of boys was included in the training topics. (52) Human trafficking may be underreported due to inconsistencies in the identification process. (23,52) Research also indicates that there are human trafficking enforcement training gaps, including understanding the gravity of human trafficking crimes and victim identification training amongst police, prosecutors, and judges. (90) In addition, nine officials suspected of complicity in human trafficking activities were subjected to criminal investigation and prosecution. (84) In 2020, of 199 human trafficking cases decided, 157 were convicted, 22 were acquitted, and 20 were dismissed. (52)

IV. Coordination of Government Efforts on Child Labor

The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8).

Table 8. Key Mechanisms to Coordinate Government Efforts on Child Labor

Coordinating Body

Role & Description

National Committee to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor

Coordinates the implementation of child labor policies, facilitates cooperation among relevant ministries, and reports annually to the Thai Cabinet on child labor issues. Chaired by MOL, with representation from other government agencies, employer and worker associations, and civil society groups. (88) Oversees a subcommittee responsible for monitoring the National Policy and Plan to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor. (40,91) Held a meeting on June 4, 2020. (16)

National and Provincial Committees on Child Protection

Coordinate with government agencies and private sector representatives to monitor and protect children’s social welfare and safety, including monitoring public and private workplaces for child labor violations. (64) Led by MSDHS with participation from DLPW and the ministries of Education and Public Health. (49)

Fishing Regulatory Units

The National Policy Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing coordinates anti-trafficking in persons policies and activities and oversees five subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Migrant Workers. Chaired by MOL. (4,40) The Provincial Coordination Center for Sea Fishery Workers (operated jointly by MOL, Marine Police, Provincial Administration, and Fishers' Association) compiles registration records and information on work permits for migrants working on fishing vessels, and works with vessel owners to ensure that undocumented migrant workers are registered. Also monitors and coordinates inspections of working conditions on fishing vessels, provides trainings on labor protection, receives human trafficking complaints, and coordinates with other agencies to provide assistance, remedy, and rehabilitation services for victims. (29,81) The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center, which is replacing the CCCIF, oversees government efforts to combat illegal fishing and human trafficking in the fishing industry, including searching, investigating, and arresting vessel operators who are suspected of using illegal labor onboard. The Department of Fisheries operates 32 Port In-Port Out (PIPO) Centers and 19 Forward Inspection Points (FIP), which are located in every coastal province. (29,80,81,89) Carries out inspections in the fishing industry. (89,92) PIPO Centers enforce laws related to fishing and labor, including child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, through inspections at ports and at sea. PIPO Centers are staffed by officers from the Department of Fisheries, Marine Department, DLPW, Department of Employment, and interpreters. (29,50)

Division of Anti-Trafficking in Persons

Coordinates anti-trafficking activities, including those involving forced child labor, child trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation. Monitors 76 Provincial Operation Centers for the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking. (40,81) Acts as the secretariat for both the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee and the Coordinating and Monitoring of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee. Operates under MSDHS. (5,40)

V. Government Policies on Child Labor

The government has established policies that are consistent with relevant international standards on child labor (Table 9).

Table 9. Key Policies Related to Child Labor

Policy

Description

National Policy and Plan to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor Phase II (2015–2020)

Sought to eliminate the worst forms of child labor in Thailand in accordance with international labor standards. Focused on (a) preventing the worst forms of child labor, (b) rescuing and protecting children from the worst forms of child labor, (c) developing and enforcing relevant laws, (d) enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and (e) developing management and monitoring systems. (91) In 2020, conducted prevention awareness campaigns for 11,283 parents, guardians, and teachers, and held career training workshops for 22,319 students. (16)

Cyber Tipline Remote Access Policy

Seeks to combat the online sexual exploitation of children in Thailand by partnering with the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Supports TICAC by permitting the RTP to request warrants to search the residences and electronic equipment of individuals for child pornography and initiate criminal prosecution. (92-95)

National Strategic Plan (2018–2038)

Aims to improve education access, particularly for vulnerable and poor children in remote areas, by increasing transportation to school, reforming the school subsidy program for poor families, and providing scholarships for children who stay in school. (4,96) In 2020, the government allocated $134 million (THB 4 billion) for anti-human trafficking efforts. (23) Also conducted workshops on curriculum development and monitored and evaluated education programs for children living on the street, and conducted workshops on non-formal primary educational guidelines for non-Thai children (ages 8 to 15). (16)

‡ The government had other policies that may have addressed child labor issues or had an impact on child labor. (27,97,98)

In March 2020, the Thai Government announced a Memorandum of Understanding to eliminate child and forced labor between the Ministry of Labor and 13 industry associations identified as high risk for child and forced labor in which employment outside employment relationships occurs. (52)

VI. Social Programs to Address Child Labor

In 2020, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of eliminating child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including the adequacy of programs to address child labor in high-risk sectors.

Table 10. Key Social Programs to Address Child Labor

Program

Description

Government Welfare Protection Centers for Victims of Trafficking†

Operates nine long-term human trafficking shelters that offer medical care, psychosocial services, education, and life skills education. (99,100) In 2020, cared for 48 victims, including foreign children from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, India, and Vietnam. (16)

Migrant Learning Centers†

NGO and government-operated centers that provide basic education, life skills training, and vocational training to children in migrant communities along Thailand’s borders. (4,50,81) In 2020, the Ministry of Education cooperated with UNICEF to provide government education certificates for children in the Centers to facilitate their continuing education in Thailand or other countries. (16)

Child Advocacy Centers (CAC)†

Provide child-friendly spaces to conduct social, legal (including forensic interviews), and repatriation services to children who are survivors or vulnerable to human trafficking, including children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. (32,86,103) In 2020, the government opened two new CACs bringing the total of CACs to seven. (32) During the reporting period, also worked with TICAC and OAG to provide 18 awareness-raising talks on online sexual exploitation threats for primary, secondary, and university students, teachers, and executives. (23) Also implemented and provided services to 111 child victims in 35 investigations. (16)

Attaining Lasting Change for Better Enforcement of Labor and Criminal Law to Address Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking (ATLAS)

USDOL-funded project implemented by Winrock International that aims to build the capacity of the national government to more effectively combat child labor by helping to strengthen laws and regulations, improve enforcement capacities, and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and social protection entities. Additional information is available on the USDOL website. (4,16,23,104)

† Program is funded by the Government of Thailand.
‡ The government had other social programs that may have included the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor. (50,80,91,103,105,106)

The lack of available research and data on the prevalence of child labor in high-risk sectors, such as agriculture, garment manufacturing, domestic work, and construction, makes it difficult for the Government of Thailand to design appropriate programs to address these issues. Migrant children are not eligible for Equal Education Fund distributions—scholarships to support disadvantaged children's access to education—which increases their vulnerability to labor exploitation. (4,50,80) While access to education for migrant children has increased, some Migrant Learning Centers lack accreditation. (4,49,97)

VII. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Thailand (Table 11).

Table 11. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Area

Suggested Action

Year(s) Suggested

Legal Framework

Ensure that the minimum age for work applies to children working outside of employment relationships.

2017 – 2020

 

Ensure that the law criminally prohibits the recruitment of children under age 18 by non-state armed groups.

2016 – 2020

 

Raise the minimum age for work to the age up to which education is compulsory.

2018 – 2020

 

Ensure that the hazardous occupations and activities prohibited for children are comprehensive and include sectors in which child labor is known to occur, including paid participation in Muay Thai, in which there is evidence that children are exposed to physical dangers.

2018 – 2020

Enforcement

Increase the number of labor inspectors to meet the ILO's technical guidance.

2015 – 2020

 

Collect and publish comprehensive data on the number of investigations conducted, violations found, and convictions for all crimes related to child labor, including the worst forms of child labor.

2015 – 2020

 

Ensure provincial government and court officials are provided adequate training on human trafficking issues—specifically in cases of male children in commercial sexual exploitation—to afford boys the same protections and victim assistance as girls.

2018 – 2020

 

Ensure law enforcement officials report all human trafficking incidences.

2019 – 2020

 

Ensure labor inspectors are provided training necessary to conduct inspections at remote informal sector workplaces, including in agriculture and domestic work.

2019 – 2020

 

Ensure engagement with NGOs comprehensively addresses stakeholders, including migrant community NGOs or networks.

2020

Social Programs

Improve access to education, especially for ethnic minority and migrant children, including by clarifying to school officials, either under the Ministry of Education or local governments, the necessary documents non-Thai students need to submit for enrollment, raising awareness of migrant children's right to education, and addressing language barriers for non-Thai speaking students, including on public school applications, and ensure Migrant Learning Centers are accredited. Ensure that there are sufficient social programs to assist children from vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQI+ children, who face additional barriers to education that may increase their risk of dropping out of school and engaging in child labor

2012 – 2020

 

Conduct research and data prevalence surveys to ensure that there are sufficient social programs to address child labor in the agriculture, garment manufacturing, domestic work, and construction sectors.

2016 – 2020

 

Ensure that there are sufficient social programs to assist children from vulnerable groups, such as migrant children, who are at high risk of the worst forms of child labor.

2016 – 2020

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