Mekong: For Decent Work and Social Justice

Labour rights are under severe pressure in the Mekong region. Migrant workers from neighbouring countries who live and work in Thailand under precarious conditions are particularly vulnerable. Solidar Suisse, together with local partner organisations, is committed to promoting fair working conditions, social protection, and the strengthening of civil society structures.

Precarious Work, Endangered Rights

There are significant economic disparities among different population groups in Thailand. According to recent estimates, the wealthiest 1% hold around 46% of the country’s total wealth (Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2023). At the same time, many people live with limited financial resources, including a large number of migrant workers from neighboring countries. Due to limited economic opportunities in their home countries, many of them seek employment in Thailand.

In the Mekong region – particularly in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand – millions of people are employed in low-paid, informal, or hazardous jobs. In sectors such as garment manufacturing, agriculture, construction, services, platform work, and the electronics industry, it is mainly women, young people, and migrants who are subjected to exploitative working conditions – often without contracts, social protection, or safeguards against violence and abuse.

In Thailand alone, an estimated four to five million migrants – mainly from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos – work in insecure situations, many without legal residency status, making them especially vulnerable. Since the outbreak of the civil war in Myanmar in 2021, the number of refugees has been rising. Many are now living in emergency shelters or surviving under extremely precarious conditions. Climate change and digitalisation add further challenges – including life-threatening heat stress, insecure online jobs, and growing care responsibilities in the shadow of the formal economy.

  • Life expectancy: Cambodia 71.4  years, Myanmar 70.3 years, Thailand 78.2 years Average life expectancy in Switzerland: 83.6 years
  • Literacy rate: Cambodia 84%, Myanmar 89%, Thailand 91% Literacy rate among adults in Switzerland: 99.9 %
  • Gini Index: Cambodia 45.4, Myanmar 30.7, Thailand 43.3 The Gini Index measures the degree of income inequality: The higher the number, the more inequality. Switzerland: 33.7
Migrant workers are crammed into a van by the Thai police, including a young woman with a baby. Migrant workers are crammed into a van by the Thai police, including a young woman with a baby.

Thai police forces deport migrant workers. © John Hulme

Research and Support

Solidar Suisse collaborates with the Mekong Migration Network (MMN) and other local organisations to strengthen the rights of migrant workers – both in destination countries like Thailand and in countries of origin such as Myanmar and Cambodia. At the heart of the project lies action-oriented research: the living and working conditions of migrants are systematically documented in order to influence public policy – including in dealings with national governments or regional bodies such as ASEAN.

At the same time, civil society organisations, activists, and lawyers are trained, connected, and supported so they can effectively advise migrants and protect them from abuse. In Cambodia, survivors of violence are provided with safe shelter, psychosocial support, and assistance in building small businesses in their home communities to reduce the need for future migration. In Thailand, migrants are informed of their rights, accompanied during conflicts, and supported in accessing healthcare and education for their children.

Partner organisations are also active in the garment sector – for example, through legal education, union training, and support with wage negotiations. In Cambodia, these efforts helped increase the minimum wage from USD 153 (2018) to USD 208 per month today.
Furthermore, Solidar Suisse promotes innovative approaches in the fields of Just Transition, the care economy, migration, and occupational health and safety, and supports cross-border networks working toward greater justice along global supply chains.

This programme is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Projects in the Mekong Region

More Rights for Workers

Together with the Mekong Migration Network, trade unions and local NGOs, we are fighting for social justice in the Mekong region. 

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Support for Migrant Women

Women and children in particular are victims of exploitation and human trafficking. Solidar Suisse supports those in need.

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Help for People in the Mekong Region

Migrant workers in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar are fighting for fair working conditions and against exploitation. You can support them!

Your donation

Help workers in the ‘Greater Mekong’ region. Your donation will help workers to organise themselves and defend themselves against exploitation.

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