On 20 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, participated in a high-level Strategy Session titled “From Data to Collective Action Against Forced Labour” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The session was moderated by Mr. Dan Viederman, Partner at the Working Capital Innovation Fund, and representatives from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

During his opening remarks, the Foreign Minister highlighted that forced labour has become an increasingly complex global challenge, exacerbated by the rapid pace of digitalization, migration flows, and the evolving nature of human trafficking. He proposed a comprehensive response anchored in four core principles: Prevention, Protection, Enforcement, and Partnership.

A key highlight of the Minister’s statement was the necessity of establishing "Data-driven Partnerships." He emphasized the importance of real-time data exchange across borders and sectors to enhance transparency and accountability. To illustrate Thailand’s commitment, he cited the country’s success in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through technological integration in supply chain management. This achievement has led to Thailand’s recent recognition as a model country successfully utilizing “Proof of Country” (POC) within the Global Data Partnership Against Forced Labour.

The Foreign Minister also brought to the forum’s attention the urgent threat of cyber-scams and forced labour in online operations within Southeast Asia. He noted that these crimes pose a significant risk to both regional human security and the global economy, necessitating a strengthened collaborative framework between Thailand, the WEF, and international partner networks.

The session featured prominent global leaders and experts, including Ms. Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Ms. Theresa May, Chair of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking; and Mr. Gary Haugen, CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM). The participation of approximately 20 senior executives from leading global businesses and international organizations underscores a strategic opportunity for Thailand to forge concrete partnerships in labour protection and human rights advancement on the global stage.