A child works in the fishery sector in Thailand.(Photo: bloomberg.com)
Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The problem of child labour in Thailand hasimproved, as the Ministry of Labour continues to hold campaigns against childlabour and exploitation of children.
On June 11, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare organised an eventto mark World Day against Child Labour, which falls on June 12 of every year.The event featured exhibitions and activities arranged by public agencies,private development organisations, and employers and employees.
Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare WiwatTanghong said after presiding over the opening of this event that the childlabour problem in Thailand has improved, as the country has stepped up to thefight against child labour. As a result, fewer children are being exploited andthere are fewer children entering the labour market. According to a child labourstudy conducted by the United States, Thailand’s ranking has improved for twoconsecutive years.
To maintain the status and improve the ranking further, the Department of LabourProtection and Welfare conducted its first ever study on child labour from Julyto September 2018, with collaboration from the International Labour Organisation(ILO). The ILO provided academic ideas and suggestions so that the study wouldbe internationally accepted. The study found that economic deprivation,poverty, and unhealthy family life were the main causes of child labour.
According to the study, some 400,000 children had to enter the labour marketand 170,000 of the child workers did not continue their education. Many of themwere 15 to 18 years old and they mostly worked in the agricultural sector. Manychild workers also worked for more than 14 hours a day, which can bedetrimental to their health.
This study will be used for developing work policies for related agencies toprotect children from exploitation and improve their quality of life in anefficient and concrete manner. – NNT/VNA
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