Annually, Thailand observes May 1st as National Labor Day to honor the significant contributions of laborers, including migrant workers, who are vital to Thailand's economy. Various organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, are actively working together to safeguard the rights and well-being of both Thai and migrant workers. These collaborative efforts not only ensure fair treatment but also enhance Thailand's reputation for its efforts to eradicate slave labor on the international stage.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), as a leader in the agriculture and food industry, exports food products to over 50 countries worldwide. The company has a policy to benefit all stakeholders, especially ensuring equal and fair treatment for workers, promoting and supporting freedom of expression, negotiation, and fair compensation, as well as prioritizing vulnerable groups to combat human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, and to eliminate discriminatory practices and resist all forms of harassment. The Company also partnered with government and non-government organizations to tackle and eradicate unlawful labor in Thailand.
Although CP Foods is not involved in fishing operations or vessel ownership, the company is dedicated to sourcing fishmeal sustainably to mitigate risks and impacts throughout the supply chain. Since 2016, it has collaborated with government entities, private partners, and NGO networks to support migrant workers on fishing vessels by establishing the "Fishermen Life Enhancement Center (FLEC Center)." This initiative involves six other organizations, including the Fish Market Organization, the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother, the Songkhla Seafarers' Welfare Center (Suk San House), GEPP Sa-Ard (a Thai start-up focusing on sustainable garbage management and recycling processes), and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC). Together, this center works to combat human trafficking and enhance the well-being of migrant workers and their families by addressing various aspects such as workplace health and safety, as well as the education of their children.
The FLEC Center, located at Songkhla 2 Pier within the Fish Market Association in the Muang District of Songkhla Province, is dedicated to providing consultancy and aid to migrant workers on fishing vessels and their families. Beyond safeguarding against forced or unlawful practices, the FLEC Center serves as a resource for migrant workers and their families in their day-to-day lives. Furthermore, the center offers a first aid room where workers and their families can access initial treatment and basic disease screening services.
Throughout its 8 years of operation, the FLEC Center ensures migrant workers and their families in Songkhla Province to receive fair and adequate wages, including access to basic social welfare-related healthcare and children's education. This has enabled migrant workers and their families to work and live in Thailand with confidence and safety, reducing the risks of exploitation in all forms.
The FLEC Center plays a vital role in advocating for safe working conditions for migrant workers on fishing vessels, ensuring they can access timely and suitable medical assistance. FLEC staff consistently engage in proactive initiatives aboard fishing boats to deepen migrant workers' comprehension of health and safety instructions. The center extends basic medical kits to facilitate healthcare for migrant workers with communication barriers during onboarding. Furthermore, the FLEC Center nurtures volunteer migrant workers to serve as worker leaders, offering first aid skills and safety guidance to colleagues on the boats.
Furthermore, the center offers educational opportunities for workers' children and conducts vocational training sessions for migrants to improve their life skills and promote self-reliance. Additionally, it encourages environmental responsibility among migrant workers and their families by rewarding garbage collection with household items.
The FLEC Center emphasizes CP Foods' collaboration with governmental, non-profit, and private entities in the sustainable eradication of slave labor and illegal employment practices within the fishery industry. This partnership strengthens societal and economic resilience while addressing human trafficking issues in Thailand's fishing sector sustainably.