Integrated teaching and learning management with work integrated learning and protection of students participating in internships under Thai law

Abstract

Abstract

              The instruction is a mixture of theoretical classroom learning and work experience outside classrooms through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), by sending students to work with actual employers, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment. This aims to address the mismatch between the skills in the labor market and current job positions. However, as students are not considered legal employees under labor laws, they cannot be protected by minimum labor standards. This makes them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers. As inexperienced interns, they also need time to learn and develop, which puts pressure on them to perform at a high level and can lead to a stressful work environment.

The auther believes that there should be an increase in legal protection for trainees to be equal to that of employees. The considerations include work hours, rest breaks during work hours, weekly holidays, compensation, and safety during internship. This serves as a guide for the consideration of future amendments to related laws. This is because the internship system plays an important role in all aspects and is a policy in society that the government should support, in order to give workers the skills and ability to continue their careers throughout their lives, having a significant impact on the business of entrepreneurs.