ECOT Participates in the Study on the Feasibility of Ratifying ILO Convention No. 183 on Maternity Protection

On Friday, 18 September 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), represented by Mr. Bowornsak Klaharn, participated in the 1st Meeting of the Working Group on the Study and Analysis of the Feasibility of Ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183). The meeting was held at the Prasong Rananant Meeting Room, 5th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building.

The meeting was organized by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to study and analyze relevant technical information and to assess the appropriateness and feasibility of Thailand’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 183. The discussions also examined the compatibility of Thailand’s domestic laws and related measures with the Convention to support a comprehensive and well-informed consideration of possible ratification.

Key issues discussed at the meeting included the main provisions of ILO Convention No. 183, a comparative review of the Convention’s requirements and relevant Thai legislation, as well as possible approaches and action plans toward ratification. Representatives from relevant agencies and sectors were invited to provide information, exchange views, and contribute perspectives to the discussions.

ILO Convention No. 183 is an international labour standard concerning maternity protection. It covers key protections for women workers during pregnancy, childbirth, and their return to work. The Convention establishes principles relating to maternity leave, employment protection and non-discrimination, health protection, and breastfeeding arrangements.

ECOT’s participation in this meeting reflects its role as a representative of the employer sector in engaging with government agencies and relevant stakeholders to exchange information and perspectives in the consideration of international labour standards. ECOT emphasizes the importance of taking into account the protection of workers’ rights, practical implementation, and the circumstances of employers and enterprises in Thailand.