Business and Human Rights
"Global Norms, Local Realities: Gaps and Pitfalls in Thailand’s Business and Human Rights Landscape"

CPG Founding Director & Lecturer Henning Glaser

CPG

The workshop was hosted and organized by the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG), with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation Thailand Office and the Asian Governance Foundation (AGF).

The workshop examined the complexities of labour rights and environmental challenges associated with business activities in Thailand, identifying pathways to overcome systemic and structural barriers. Furthermore, it gathered representatives from various CSOs, including those in fisheries and agriculture, advocates for marginalized groups such as migrants, and organizations focused on environmental protection.

Key topics included labour rights violations and environmental degradation, which were analyzed through the lens of systemic and structural challenges, such as weak regulatory frameworks and poor enforcement. Discussions also examined the significant impacts on local communities and the roles of various stakeholders—including corporations and state agencies—in either perpetuating or addressing these issues. Participants shared ongoing mitigation efforts and identified barriers, such as limited resources. Additionally, they discussed the potential role of supply chain due diligence legislation, including Germany’s Supply Chain Act and the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), in driving meaningful change.

We sincerely thank all participants for their valuable insights and continue in contributing to making Thailand an attractive and sustainable investment destination.