Hiring people with disabilitites

ERGO Thailand currently employs eight permanent staff members with disabilities, actively creating space for diverse talents to contribute meaningfully. “We see disability employment as an opportunity to create a more inclusive and representative workplace,” says Nakarin Kulphetngamkiri, HR Development Manager at ERGO Thailand.

Despite progressive labor laws, Thailand still faces significant challenges in integrating people with disabilities (PWDs) into the workforce. According to data from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, there are 2.2 million people with disabilities in Thailand. Of these, approximately 980,000 are of working age, yet nearly 390,000 remain unemployed. More than 90 percent live in rural or remote areas, far from economic centers and viable job markets.

While Thai law mandates that companies employ one person with a disability for every 100 employees, many organisations opt instead to make financial contributions. This practice results in over 24,000 missed employment opportunities each year, underscoring a gap between legal compliance and real inclusion.

But ERGO Thailand is proving that meaningful change is possible when inclusion is embraced.

“It’s About Opportunity, Not Obligation”

“At ERGO Thailand, we see disability employment not as a compliance issue, but as an opportunity to create a more inclusive and representative workplace,” says Nakarin Kulphetngamkiri, HR Development Manager at ERGO Thailand.

Unlike companies that opt for financial contributions, ERGO Thailand currently employs eight permanent staff members with disabilities, actively creating space for diverse talents to contribute meaningfully.

“We believe in real employment opportunities – not symbolic gestures. It’s not just about meeting quotas; it’s about making a difference.”

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

To expand its impact, ERGO Thailand partnered with the Social Innovation Foundation (SIF) to hire people with disabilities under Section 35 of Thailand’s disability employment law. Through this collaboration, ERGO has created contractual roles in regions where its branches operate, enabling local people with disabilities to find work without needing to relocate.

“This approach helps address one of the biggest barriers – geographic access to employment,” the Nakarin explains. “By creating jobs where people already live, we’re meeting them where they are.”

Building an Inclusive Culture From Within

In December 2024, ERGO Thailand held a company-wide disability awareness workshop, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to inclusion beyond hiring.

“We want to foster a workplace culture where everyone understands and embraces diversity. Awareness is the first step, but our real goal is to build an environment where people with disabilities can grow, contribute, and succeed alongside everyone else.” Nakarin Kulphetngamkiri, HR Development Manager at ERGO Thailand.

“Over the past year at ERGO, I’ve grown both personally and professionally while adapting to change — and what touched me most was seeing colleagues make a genuine effort to understand and include someone with hearing impairment like me, even when communication wasn’t easy.” Kunakon Suchaimanacharoen, General Services Officer at ERGO in Thailand.

A Blueprint for Business and Social Progress

ERGO Thailand’s efforts highlight the broader benefits of inclusive hiring – not only for individuals but also for businesses and society at large. By going beyond legal compliance, the company is unlocking untapped talent, driving innovation, and demonstrating true corporate responsibility.

“Inclusion is not charity,” the Nakarin adds. “It’s smart, strategic, and the right thing to do. And we hope other companies will join us in making meaningful employment a reality for all.”