More than 50 manufacturing companies from Chonburi and other key manufacturing provinces across Thailand have explored ways to strengthen maternity protection, support workers with care responsibilities and prevent workplace violence and harassment.
More than 120 management and worker representatives attended the workshop, including participants from companies operating within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Maternity leave extended
Women workers in Thailand continue to face challenges including unequal pay, violence and harassment, and a disproportionate share of unpaid care work.
Following Thailand’s extension of statutory maternity leave from 98 to 120 days, effective 7 December 2025, the workshop examined how businesses can strengthen workplace policies covering recruitment, maternity, return to work and career progression.
Participants also explored how maternity protection and care can help businesses attract and retain skilled workers, reduce workforce turnover and improve productivity.
Practical workplace measures
Through presentations, discussions and group work, participants considered measures including maternity leave, childcare support and creating safe and respectful workplaces.
Chaiyaporn Paepirormrat, Deputy Governor of Chonburi, said: “Chonburi is one of the core areas of the Eastern Economic Corridor, a strategic zone for industrial development and investment. But our province does not focus on economic growth alone — we place equal emphasis on environmental and social development, especially the quality of life and the rights of the workers who drive our industries.
“I am confident that the knowledge and recommendations generated by this workshop will be of great benefit to enterprises and will help raise labour standards in Chonburi even further.”
ILO supports initiative
The workshop was co organised by the International Labour Organization through its EnhanceRights project, the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand and the Chonburi Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare, with support from the Government of Japan.
