The Employers' Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized a preliminary workshop on Participatory Action-Oriented Training (PAOT): Guidelines for Improving Safety and Occupational Health in the Automotive Industry, on February 24, 2025, at the Skills Development Institute, 3 Chonburi Province.

Mr. Sakda Hwankaew, Director of the Eastern Regional Office, and Mr. Sommas Supaphol, Advisor and Representative of the Confederation, participated in this meeting. This workshop is part of the "Skills Development and Responsible Business Conduct for Transition" project funded by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The objective is to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of government officials and stakeholders in the automotive industry to improve working environments and increase productivity through simple, effective safety and occupational health measures.

Mr. Pathompong Fakkiew, Director of Skills Development Institute 3 Chonburi Province, Mr. Suthat Chua-in, Director of Skills Development Division 3 Chonburi Province, and Mr. Somkiat Saengperm, Director of Occupational Safety Center, Zone 2 stated that "This meeting will help elevate safety standards for small and medium-sized enterprises in the automotive sector, which is a key industry in Thailand, through the introduction of the PAOT methodology that has proven effective in improving working conditions."
The meeting had over 30 participants, including officials from the Skills Development Institute and the Occupational Safety and Health Division of Chonburi Province, representatives from employee and employer organizations, as well as employers and employees from small and medium-sized enterprises.
ILO, added that "PAOT training not only helps improve workplace safety but also encourages employee participation in problem-solving, strengthens safety culture, and increases production efficiency, which benefits both employers and employees."

The expected outcome from this meeting is that participants will gain knowledge and skills in occupational safety and health management through Work Improvement in Small Enterprises (WISE) training. Strategies for applying and implementing WISE comprehensively in Thailand's automotive sector will be proposed.
Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) with a focus on skills development is crucial for building economic and social sustainability, not only improving working conditions but also enhancing workers' capabilities to cope with changes in the digital era.

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