Thailand to see closer collaboration in advancing local automotive manufacturing supply chain

A recent dialogue brought together key stakeholders to discuss how to enhance the resilience of the sector, while striving towards improvements in decent work and responsible business practices.

Thailand held its first National Industry Dialogue for a Responsible and Sustainable Automotive Supply Chain in Bangkok on 29 April 2025 (Tuesday), in a move aiming to fortify the nation's automotive industry against global uncertainties. 

Organised by the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) project in Thailand, and supported by the ILO, the event brought together more than 100 industry leaders, from domestic and multinational automotive and auto-parts companies across the supply chain industry in Thailand with representatives of the government, workers’ and employers’ organisations, academic institutions, as well as key trade, technology and policy bodies.

The aim was to strengthen industry-wide commitments and action to expand decent work and responsible business conduct, guided by international instruments such as the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration). 

Speaking at the event, Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the sector's significance: "Automotive manufacturing in Thailand accounts for around 10% of the country’s GDP and provides employment for nearly 1mn workers.

"In the face of evolving global supply chains in auto manufacturing, today's dialogue was a tremendous opportunity to bring together key stakeholders to discuss how to enhance the resilience of the sector while striving towards improvements in decent work and responsible business practices."

The event sought to amplify the increasing importance of human rights due diligence (HRDD) in supply chains. Noted by the ILO, as supply chain rules and expectations evolve, automotive firms are facing growing calls to demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices. HRDD involves steps to prevent, mitigate, and address companies’ human rights impacts, requiring management leadership and effective worker involvement through social dialogue.

More details here.

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