Thai Union Group PCL has initiated a Migrant Health Volunteer Program in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, aiming to improve healthcare access and knowledge among migrant workers. The initiative is a collaboration with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office, Mahidol University’s Faculty of Tropical Medicine, and the Proud Association.
Launched in September 2024, the program has provided training to 109 migrant workers. These participants have received education on preventive care, healthcare rights, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through both online and on-site sessions. After their training, volunteers began assisting at local health facilities and community events. Of these volunteers, 23 serve as interpreters working alongside Thai health officials to facilitate communication with migrant patients.
The focus on NCDs addresses a significant public health issue in Thailand. Noncommunicable diseases are responsible for approximately 74% of all deaths nationwide. Data from Samut Sakhon indicates that NCD-related issues such as work-related muscle disorders, hypertension, and diabetes are common among migrant workers. The program also aims to raise awareness about lifestyle risks like high consumption of energy drinks, sodium-rich diets, and smoking.
Sammie Ho Dumas, Senior Director for Sustainability & Social Impact at Thai Union Group said: “The Migrant Health Volunteer Program reflects Thai Union’s Healthy Living commitment and our responsibility to the people who are part of our business and our communities. Access to accurate information on everyday health issues, including non-communicable diseases and behavioral risk factors, empowers people to make informed decisions. Migrant workers are valued members of our communities, and we remain committed to supporting their holistic well-being while fostering healthier, thriving environments where Thai Union operates.”
Manunchaya Inklai, President of the Proud Association added: “Samut Sakhon is a province known for its ethnic diversity. Building a strong and resilient community requires participation from all sectors. One effective way to achieve this is by empowering migrant workers to serve as Migrant Health Volunteers (MHVs). By equipping them with knowledge about their rights, health, and disease prevention—particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—we can promote sustainable health care within migrant communities. When these volunteers understand their rights and responsibilities, they can share this knowledge with their families, friends, and peers helping to improve the overall health and quality of life across the wider community.”
Dr. Prakit Sarathep M.D., Chief of Public Health for Samut Sakhon Province stated: “The Migrant Health Volunteer Program is a meaningful collaboration that strengthens health knowledge among migrant workers—particularly in areas such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), potential health risks ,and access to health care and insurance. The Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office is pleased to integrate this initiative into our programs and will continue to support the ongoing development of volunteer capacity to meet the standards set by the Department of Health Service Support.”
Migrant health volunteers have been active beyond clinical settings by supporting vaccination campaigns connecting peers with insurance resources sharing information at construction sites dormitories workplaces and child centers reaching an estimated 1 500 people so far.
Looking ahead authorities plan further training for current volunteers so they can stay up-to-date with Ministry of Public Health standards before registering officially with Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support.