July was a month of conversations on how social protection and labour rights can better respond to the changing world of work. JELI, together with, FES Thailand hosted the 2nd Regional Networking Visit for Platform Workers in Asia, bringing together platform and digital worker representatives, labour organisations, researchers, activists, and friends from across the region to Bangkok.
June brought an important development. The ILO adopted Convention No. 193 on decent work in the platform economy, the first global treaty set binding labor standards for platform and gig work. The ILO adopted Convention No. 193 on decent work in the platform economy, the first global treaty set binding labor standards for platform and gig work. A truly a historic step.
Rider protection has become a major labour issue this month. The Ministry of Labour has begun discussing ways to bring riders into the social security system, while several rider groups and labour networks have sought direct dialogue with the Minister of Labour. As a result, the question of how riders should be protected has been widely discussed in the media and among workers throughout May.
“No human masterpiece has been created without great labour.” – André Gide
We’re living in a world full of overlapping crises. Climate change is making work more dangerous, especially for those working outdoors. Imperialist wars and global political conflicts continue to disrupt livelihoods and drive up costs, while wages remain far from livable. And again, those most affected are the ones with the least protection.
We can all agree that a lot has happened in March, and much of it will continue to affect us in the foreseeable future. The spiraling conflict in the Middle East has had different impacts across contexts and is now being felt locally, from flight disruptions to rising oil prices.
The end of February also marks the official start of summer in Thailand. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the country entered the hot season on 22 February 2026. Forecasts suggest that temperatures in the upper regions of Thailand may reach 36–37°C on average, with some areas potentially experiencing highs of 40–43°C. The coming months are expected to be noticeably hotter than usual.
January has quickly passed.
Over the past month, we have been working to push forward the agenda of the ILO Convention and Recommendation on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, which is expected to be discussed at the ILC this June. This is a critical milestone for platform workers worldwide. It is essential that workers are able to shape this international standard to ensure that governments put people before platforms.
Happy New Year 2026! 🎉
May the new year be a time for rest and renewal, bringing happiness, peace of mind, and the strength to live the life you have set out to pursue.
Wishing you all good health and many good things throughout the year. ✨
As November comes to an end and we enter the final month of the year, our thoughts are with the millions of people in Southern Thailand and across Southeast Asia who are facing the devastation of recent floods.
October Wrap-Up!
The closer we get to the year’s end, the faster the days seem to pass. This month we’ve been on the road, in rooms, and out on the streets with workers. It’s been a lot of movement and even more conversation. Here’s a quick look back at what we’ve been up to.
September wrap-up is here! ✊
This month brought powerful conversations, shared struggles, and new connections across movements. We’ve captured the key moments for you. Read through!
August is the month when Thai society turns its attention to “mothers,” with campaigns celebrating their importance. It’s also a moment to recognize that mothers are workers, both at home and outside. In this month’s Story of Impact, we bring this issue forward to make our celebration of Mother’s Day more meaningful.
