Bangkok: Figures reveal that 40,000 people are being laid off each month due to the economic downturn. Urges are being put on hold as the government is urged to control prices, regulate employment, and ensure employees receive appropriate welfare benefits. A representative of delivery riders proposes that the government negotiate with platforms to increase the minimum fare to 40 baht per trip, without restricting orders. Meanwhile, labor unions are calling for the government to announce the use of the CARE pension formula.

According to Thai News Agency, the Foundation for Gender Equality, in collaboration with the Foundation for Children, Youth and Families, the Rangsit and surrounding areas labor union group, and the People's Health Promotion Movement (PHPM), and supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF), organized a seminar on National Labor Day 2026 under the topic "A Closer Look at Thai Labor in a Crisis Situation and Declining Quality of Life."

Mr. Jadet Chaowvilai, advisor to the Foundation for Gender Equality, stated that in the current situation of a compounded crisis stemming from economic problems, environmental crises, global warming, and exacerbated by war leading to increased oil prices, resulting in higher prices for consumer goods and a higher cost of living, workers are directly affected. Approximately 40,000 people are laid off each month, and delivery riders working on platforms are facing reduced pay per trip. Both groups are severely impacted in terms of income and physical and mental health. However, government measures have not been sufficient to address this problem. Therefore, a forum is needed to voice the problems and proposals of workers so that the government can find more targeted solutions.

Mr. Waradul Tularak, an economics and labor researcher under the project to develop knowledge and strengthen the well-being of platform workers, stated that the Thai economy is currently experiencing low growth and high inflation, exacerbated by unresolved structural problems, particularly income distribution and inequality. This lack of resilience and preparedness for new and more severe crises makes Thailand the first and most affected group, especially the poor and unprotected workers. Platform workers, especially riders who are already unprotected by labor laws, face increased operating costs amidst working conditions with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and PM2.5 pollution. Furthermore, the government's response has been slow and lacks specificity compared to South Korea or Singapore.

Therefore, proposals on this matter require considering new forms of welfare, such as providing rest stops and drinking water services in urban areas, and supporting the provision of dust protection equipment and ventilated uniforms. The platform should be primarily responsible for providing and maintaining welfare for workers to avoid burdening public tax money. This also includes establishing criteria for work stoppages when temperatures or air pollution levels reach hazardous levels, and developing mechanisms to compensate for energy costs and fair working risks. This will ensure fair protection and help workers maintain their livelihoods under increasingly severe crises without bearing the burden alone.

Ms. Prapaporn Phol-in, a representative of the rider network, stated that the current problems faced by riders include a decrease in pay per trip from the initial 60-80 baht to around 20 baht. This, already low, forces them to work more trips and longer hours to earn more, or at least maintain their earnings. Insufficient rest increases the risk of road accidents and leads to mental health issues due to stress. Furthermore, they work in extremely hot weather and under PM2.5 pollution. Adding to the stress are the economic problems, high fuel prices, and rising costs of living. This is compounded by work-related problems such as sexual harassment and insults. Therefore, they are appealing to relevant government authorities for appropriate rights and welfare, including the provision of safe and affordable childcare facilities for riders, assistance in negotiating pay per trip to ensure it doesn't fall below 40 baht, and fair treatment regarding rider visibility and percentage deductions if they need to temporar ily stop working. They also want to see riders recognized as part of a formal workforce, similar to other countries, and for clear legislation to support their status.

Mr. Suthat Iamsang, President of the Federation of Textile, Garment and Leather Workers of Thailand, stated that Thailand's economic problems are impacting workers. Employers view workers as a high cost due to the benefits they receive, and their collective demands go beyond legal requirements, leading to layoffs of permanent employees and the use of subcontractors or foreign workers to avoid paying legal benefits. If this trend continues, it will lead to job insecurity for Thai workers and a labor market downturn, as many workers currently face debt, family responsibilities, and rising living costs. Therefore, on this Labor Day, they are urging the government to sign ILO Conventions 87 and 98, amend the Labor Relations Act to grant employees the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining, and to control commodity prices, regulate the termination of contract workers, and promote employment within a system with fair benefits. They also call for the recognition and implementation of the CARE pensi on formula and wage adjustments, among other things.