The government is partnering with the private sector to promote employment for students during school breaks, offering 10,000 job positions. It strictly prohibits hiring children under 15 years old to ensure that children and youth grow up safely and securely.
On 14 June 2026, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that in observance of the World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June each year, the government prioritizes protecting children and youth from inappropriate labor. It also promotes their access to education, skill development, and age-appropriate job opportunities to help them grow into a vital workforce for the country's future.
Child labor remains a challenge for many countries worldwide. According to recent data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, over 138 million children globally are engaged in child labor, with more than 54 million working under hazardous conditions detrimental to their health and development. This highlights the ongoing critical need for all sectors to collaborate in protecting children's rights.
Minister of Labour Julphan Amornwiwat has instructed all affiliated agencies to actively prevent and address child labor issues in a concrete manner. He emphasized that this problem is linked to economic and social inequality, as well as the vulnerability of children in migrant worker families and some Thai children who enter the labor market prematurely due to income limitations and family circumstances.
The Ministry of Labour has implemented proactive measures continuously, including promoting employment for students during school breaks through partnerships with over 56 leading establishments nationwide. These partnerships support more than 10,000 job positions, enabling youth to earn income and gain appropriate work experience under legal labor protections.
Additionally, the ministry develops vocational skills for youth who do not continue their education, aiming to upgrade them from unskilled to skilled labor. It integrates cooperation with educational institutions to prepare youth for entering the workforce, and promotes knowledge about labor rights and workplace safety so that young people can pursue quality careers with stable incomes in the future.
Regarding rights protection, the Ministry of Labour continues to enforce laws strictly by prohibiting employers from hiring children under 15 years old outright. Children aged 15 to 17 may only work in legally permitted jobs and must be protected in terms of welfare, working hours, and safety standards as prescribed.
At the same time, the ministry encourages businesses nationwide to declare themselves child labor-free and free from labor trafficking, and it pushes for Thai labor standards to align with international norms. This builds confidence among international partners and enhances Thailand's global image.
“The government believes every child should have the opportunity to learn and fully develop their potential. Preventing child labor is not only about enforcing laws but also about creating educational opportunities, skill development, and comprehensive rights protection so that children and youth can grow up safely with a good quality of life and be ready to contribute significantly to the country's development,” the government stated.