Building social impact 3rd Issue

Newsletter

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Welcome to the third issue of the BSI Newsletter! Over the past months, together with committed companies from the PropCon sector, we’ve made exciting progress in advancing social impact within the sector. Through collaboration with our BSI members, we continue working to improve the well-being of construction workers and their families living in site camps. In this edition, explore our latest achievements, new partnerships, member spotlights, and what’s coming next as we move forward together for a more sustainable and inclusive industry.

Initiative & milestones

1.Roundtable Meeting on Sustainable Social Security & Healthcare for Migrant Workers and their children in the Construction Sector

On December 20th, the BSI Initiative convened a Roundtable Meeting on Sustainable Social Security & Healthcare for Migrant Workers and their children in the Construction Sector, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to long-term, systemic change.

Participants included representatives from the Social Security Office (SSO), the Department of Employment (DOE), leading construction companies, civil society organizations, and public health institutions.


Key outcomes from the discussion:

  • Public Sector: The Department of Health and Environmental Services (DHES) is working closely with public hospitals to enhance migrant workers’ access to healthcare services.

  • Civil Society: Partners continue to raise awareness through community-based outreach and advocate for inclusive policy under Article 5, Clause 4.

  • Private Sector: A co-payment model was proposed for social security contributions where developers, contractors, and workers each contribute 33% to create a more equitable system.

Looking ahead, the BSI Initiative and our members will be strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and organizing training sessions to equip employers with the tools needed to drive sustainable change.

3. SAT Workshop

In the Stakeholder Workshop organized by BSI, 27 representatives from across 13 BSI member companies participated to review and share important feedback on further development of the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). The key discussion points centered around the long-term value of the Tool for companies to generate social impact, the practicality and accuracy of the Tool for camp assessment, and the usability of the Tool in monitoring and reporting camp improvements. BSI will address and integrate key recommendations into the updated version of the SAT Tool.   

Held earlier this year, the session welcomed over 40 participants from more than 15 leading construction and real estate companies, including BSI member companies. The training focused on (1) providing information on the trend and growing attention on B-HR in Thailand, (2) strengthening participants’ understanding of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and (3) equipping them with practical tools to apply HRDD processes across their business operations.

Key outcomes included:

  • Enhanced awareness of how BHR principles apply to the construction context

  • Practical steps for integrating HRDD into day-to-day operations

  • Encouragement for companies to apply for the RLPD Human Rights Award by using the BSI Framework as a guide

Looking ahead, the BSI Initiative will continue to support companies through bilateral meetings, exposure visits, and ongoing collaboration with RLPD to support the adaptation of BSI members to human rights and responsible business practices evolution in Thailand.

4. Bringing Health to the Camps: Mobile Health Clinic Check Ups for workers and children living in construction site camps.

One of this half-year’s key highlights was the Mobile Health Clinic organized by the Building Social Impact Initiative and Health Innovation in the Construction Sector Project (HICS), in collaboration with BSI member companies and the Urban Institute for Disease Prevention and Control. The checkup provided vital health services to over 700 migrant workers and children across six construction camps in Bangkok and surrounding areas.

BSI members directly benefited from the checkups, which included biometric data collection (such as iris scans, facial photography, and health card issuance) alongside screenings for priority health conditions, including influenza, hypertension, diabetes, and tuberculosis.

Beyond immediate care, this event laid the groundwork for sustainable impact by supporting the development of Migrant Health Volunteers, establishing Community Health Clinics within camps, and improving disease tracking and follow-up care. These efforts contribute to the BSI vision of a healthier, safer construction workforce in Thailand, in the interest of people, business and society.

2. Training on Strengthening Business and Human Rights in Construction: BHR-HRDD Training with RLPD and BDF

While Thailand is applying for OECD membership and negotiating a free trade agreement with Europe, the topic of Business and Human Rights is gaining a lot of attention in the country. Anticipation and adaptation from the construction sector becomes increasingly important.

In a significant step toward promoting responsible business conduct in the construction industry, the BSI Initiative, in partnership with the Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD) and Baan Dek Foundation (BDF), organized a specialized training on Business and Human Rights (BHR) and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD).

5. Spotlight on Education: Roundtable on Access to Schooling for Migrant Children

According to the BSI baseline survey, the majority of migrant children living in Bangkok’s construction camps are currently missing out on formal schooling.

To tackle this issue, the BSI Initiative, together with partners from the construction sector, hosted a roundtable on “Access to Education for Migrant Children in Construction Camps” on June 27, 2025. The session brought together business leaders, civil society, and government stakeholders to review field evidence, share on-the-ground insights, and identify pathways for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue around how construction companies can contribute to creating child-friendly workplaces, where workers' families are supported, and every child has the chance to learn and thrive.

The event marks an important step toward aligning industry practices with ESG goals and the Children’s Rights and Business Principles in Thailand’s construction sector.

6. Syntec Construction PCL. Recognized for Advancing Health Equity at "Voice of the Voiceless" Conference

Credits: Syntec Construction PCL

On June 18–19, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation hosted the Voice of the Voiceless conference at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, honoring organizations that contribute to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Among the award recipients was Syntec Construction PCL, recognized in the category of Private Sector Contribution to Health Promotion for Marginalized Groups. This award acknowledges private sector entities that actively implement policies and initiatives to reduce inequality and improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities.

Syntec Construction PCL is one of the BSI Practitioners under the BSI Initiative. This recognition reflects the meaningful impact that private sector companies can achieve when they embrace inclusive practices and social responsibility. It also demonstrates the potential for other BSI members to follow this path, showing that when companies invest in building better, more equitable workplaces, lasting change is truly possible.

THE BSI INITIATIVE COMMUNITY IS GROWING

We are delighted to announce that Civil Engineering PCL., SC Asset Corporation PCL, and CES Co., Ltd. recently joined the BSI Initiative. This marks the first step in their journey to build stronger social sustainability, enhancing the welfare of construction workers and their children within their respective supply chains.

 Upcoming Opportunities: Join Us!

We have an exciting lineup of upcoming activities and opportunities to engage with the BSI Initiative. These events aim to deepen collaboration across sectors and drive practical solutions to improve the well-being of migrant workers and their families in Thailand’s construction sector.

July

  • BSI Engagement Event: in collaboration with TCA, Asset Wise and BUILK One - Introducing BSI’s initiatives, training resources, and practical tools to construction companies aiming to enhance their social sustainability performance.

  • BSI Design Thinking Training (July 4 & 25): With representatives from 11 construction companies and Thammasat University to develop a model of better linkage of construction camp population with health services.

  • Roundtable Dialogue on access to Health & HICS Project Kick-Off: A meeting with an opening speech by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of BMA, with participation from representatives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (central and local levels), universities, BSI companies, government partners, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

  • Health Literacy Survey (in partnership with Chulalongkorn University and Thai Health Foundation): will be conducted in 8 BSI members’ construction site camps to identify Health gap for workers and children in construction camps and inform solutions for improving access to health and better living conditions

  • Partnership with Kasetsart University: Development of a Camp Database and Digital Mapping (July–August), supporting Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other stakeholders in ensuring that essential services, such as health and education, can reach migrant populations living in construction camps

August

  • Roundtable Dialogue on Welfare and Services for workers and their families.

  • Policy Dialogue on access to  Education for children living in construction camps

september

  • Roundtable Dialogue on camp Infrastructure improvement

october

  • Roundtable Dialogue on the Construction Labor Bill

Thank you!

Lastly, we would like to thank all 27 BSI members and the other companies expressing interest in joining the Initiative. The growth of the BSI community signifies our collective dedication to fostering strong social sustainability, ultimately benefiting workers, children, businesses, and society as a whole.

Building better lives, together.