TCC supports establishment of committee to alleviate troubles
Thai Chamber of Commerce Proposes Joint Public-Private Labour Committee to Address Labour Issues
In a bid to address the rising labour issues in Thailand, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has proposed the creation of a Joint Public-Private Labour Committee (JPLC) to the Ministry of Labour. This proposal was made during a meeting with Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit and was first reported on July 23, 2025 [2].
The proposal comes at a time when both the global and Thai economies are fragile due to trade tensions, the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, and a slowdown in the domestic tourism industry. The TCC believes that this joint committee will help manage migrant workers, prevent child labour, human trafficking, and promote good labour practices [1].
The TCC has also urged the Ministry of Labour to expedite the announcement of wage rates for skilled workers in all 280 professions. Currently, wage rates for skilled labour cover only 129 professions [1]. Any adjustment to the daily minimum wages, according to the TCC, should be in accordance with Section 87 of the Labour Protection Act [1].
In addition to the JPLC proposal, the TCC made a number of recommendations to solve labour-related issues. They also emphasised the need for the employment of people with disabilities, the elderly, and former military conscripts to supplement the labour market demand [1].
The JPLC is expected to support Thailand’s efforts to return to Tier 1 in the US Trafficking in Persons Report. The committee, if established, will likely aim to strengthen the consultation and cooperation between public authorities and the private sector, addressing gaps in labour governance and skills development [3].
At present, the JPLC is still at the proposal stage. There are no updates on its formal establishment or implementation beyond the proposal stage at this time [2].
This initiative fits within broader efforts to improve labour skills governance and employer-employee engagement in Thailand, as the country seeks to address labour issues and improve its standing in the global economy.
[1] The Nation, 23 July 2025, www.nationthailand.com
[2] Bangkok Post, 23 July 2025, www.bangkokpost.com
[3] ILO, 2021, www.ilo.org
- The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) believes that the establishment of the Joint Public-Private Labour Committee (JPLC) will not only help manage migrant workers and prevent child labor and human trafficking, but also promote good labor practices, which are crucial in the business and finance sectors.
- To further support Thailand's standing in the global economy, the TCC proposed that the Ministry of Labour expedites the announcement of wage rates for skilled workers in all 280 professions, following the guidelines set by Section 87 of the Labour Protection Act, ensuring fair and sustainable labor practices within the industry.
