Embassy of Sweden and BMA are raising LGBTQI+ Awareness in the Workplace

On 14 June, SweCham team joined the public seminar on ‘How to prevent LGBTQI+ discrimination and harassment in the workplace’ co-hosted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok. The seminar was opened to the public. People from distinguished organisations joined to gain more knowledge and actively share their perspectives in this area.

On this occasion, the Bangkok governor, Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, and the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr Jon Åström Gröndahl, gave welcoming speeches. Additionally, this public seminar was moderated by our executive director, Dr Pojanath Bhatanacharoen.

At the seminar, Ms Ulla Perman, Development Officer, Development and Analysis Unit, Equality Ombudsman, explained what LGBTQI+ discrimination and harassment in the workplace is and shared with everyone ways to prevent it. Attendees also learned more about the guiding principles for organisations to prevent LGBTQI+ discrimination and harassment in the workplace presented by Mr Karl Yves Vallin, Managing Director, Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL). In addition, Mr Christian Dassonville, Country Human Resource Manager, IKEA Thailand, shared that an inclusive workplace helps employees become more productive, which also benefits the business. As part of the LGBTQI+ community, James (Rusameekae) Fagerlund, a celebrity in Thailand, also shared his experience and perspectives regarding LGBTQI+ visibility, discrimination, and harassment.

As the seminar was opened to the public, people within the LGBTQI+ community received an opportunity to discuss issues regarding discrimination and harassment. The seminar was followed by an animated short film from Sweden, ‘Next Door Letters,’ inspired by a true story.