Despite the significant socioeconomic contributions migrant workers bring to the host and home communities, they continue to be subjected to poor wages and working conditions, social exclusion and a lack of skills development opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated some of these vulnerabilities and underscored the consequences of excluding already marginalized groups. As the world grappled with the pandemic, it became clear that digital technologies can help to facilitate social inclusion and access to information and services.

At the same time, it brought to the forefront that the benefits of digital innovation are not being equally distributed. Migrants who lacked access to digital devices and possessed limited digital literacy and skills risked further social exclusion and marginalization. Additionally, as Thailand continues to transform into a digital economy under the Thailand 4.0 initiative, the risks of being excluded from digital innovation and digital upskilling will further broaden existing disparities within society.

Hence, interventions to address ‘digital poverty’ and bridge the digital divide have become increasingly significant in a world that continues to experience rapid digital transformation that affects the way we live and work.

Bridging the digital divide encompasses efforts to ensure everyone, including migrants, has access to digital technology and digital skills to navigate the changing landscape of communication, information sharing and employment. The very first step is to establish the evidence base to inform programming and future policy making.

In this regard, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) established a partnership to comprehensively assesses the current usage of digital technology among migrant workers, as well as their skill level and needs across different digital competence areas. The insights from this study are pivotal for crafting digital skills training programs tailored to the needs of migrant workers and employers in Thailand.

Following a successful validation workshop, ITU and IOM are now set to launch the publication of this report. This event aims to provide a platform to engage with key stakeholders, outline potential future collaborations, and catalyze efforts to advance digital inclusion for migrant workers in Thailand.

Join the launch online: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87322767992?pwd=BAZPhJ0rtHbQ3pWsQzUaXYY6mxELOv.1

Meeting ID: 873 2276 7992

Passcode: IOMITUthai

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