Enhancing Ethical Recruitment and Employment in Thailand's Sugarcane Sector: Challenges and Recommendations
Thailand’s sugarcane sector, a key part of its agricultural economy, heavily relies on seasonal migrant labor, particularly from Cambodia and Myanmar. Despite efforts to align with international labor standards, many migrant workers still face poor working conditions, limited legal protections, and restricted access to grievance mechanisms. Challenges such as climate change, unsafe harvesting practices like cane burning, and weak employer compliance exacerbate their vulnerability. This policy brief calls for comprehensive reforms in labor laws, ethical recruitment practices, employer engagement, and climate-resilient agricultural strategies to ensure fair treatment and sustainability in the industry.