Report Launch Event: “Human Rights Impacts of Taiwanese Business Investment in Thailand”
October 9 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Taiwanese companies are major players in global electronics manufacturing, bringing investment and economic opportunities to countries across Southeast Asia. But when businesses seek to “cut costs to the lowest possible level,” who bears those costs? How are workers affected, and what avenues for remedy are available when human rights violations occur?
Join us at SEA Junction on [date] for the launch and discussion of a new report by TTNC Watch, documenting the human rights impacts of Taiwanese business operations in Thailand. The report follows TTNC Watch’s 2024 report on Indonesia and its subsequent advocacy campaign calling for stronger business practices and government regulations in line with international human rights principles.
The discussion will explore the responsibilities of businesses and governments under the Business and Human Rights framework, including Taiwan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and its commitments to strengthen oversight of overseas investment, Human Rights Due Diligence, and access to effective remedy. The event will also provide an opportunity for civil society and participants to share perspectives and proposals on strengthening accountability for Taiwanese businesses operating abroad.
The presentation will be primarily in Thai, while the Q&A and session for hearing proposals will be conducted in both Thai and English. The report will be available in Thai, English, and Chinese.
The event will be held on-site only and will not be livestreamed.
Program
13:00–13:15 Registration
13:15–14:30 Report launch by
- Supalak Bumrungkit, project researcher
- Ray Cheng, TTNC Watch
14:30–15:30 Q&A and gathering recommendations from participants on taking the work forward
For more information, please email: info@seajunction.org or phone/wa: +66970024140
NB: The event is free, donations are welcome to support SEA Junction activities.
Speakers profile
Suphalak (Sek) Bumroongkit is a researcher specializing in labor and welfare policy. He is an adjunct lecturer at Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University. He currently serves as Secretary General of the Thailand Northern Labor Network. He also served for various parliamentary committees about labour, welfare, and SMEs issues in the House of Representatives.
Ray Cheng (鄭中睿) is a policy researcher, event organizer and social campaigner. He is a member of Taiwan Transnational Corporation Watch (TTNC Watch), and a founding member of Taiwan Youth Labor Union 95 (YLU05). Prior to Thailand report, he has led an investigation on human rights impact by Taiwanese Corporations in Indonesia.
Organizers
Taiwan Transnational Corporations Watch (TTNC Watch) was founded by seven human rights, labour, and environmental organisations to address the lack of effective legal mechanisms for holding Taiwanese corporations accountable for rights and environmental abuses overseas. TTNC Watch monitors corporate conduct, supports affected communities in seeking remedy, and advocates for Taiwanese multinational corporations to respect human rights and environmental standards throughout their global supply chains.
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions- from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 407-8 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information see www.seajunction.org, join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1693058870976440/ and follow us on twitter and Instagram @seajunction
