Comparison of CSR in the Construction Sector between Thailand and International Practices

Thongchai Phothong; Boonchai Chearnkiatpradab; Koltouch Anantakarn; Bhattraradej Boonsap Witchayangkoon; Yasser Arab

:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies

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ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8

FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE

Vol.16(2) (2025)

Comparison of CSR in the Construction Sector between Thailand and International Practices

Thongchai Phothong (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, THAILAND),
Boonchai Chearnkiatpradab (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, South East Asia University, THAILAND),
Koltouch Anantakarn (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus, Bangkok, THAILAND),
Bhattraradej Boonsap Witchayangkoon (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Rangsit, Pathumtani, THAILAND), and
Yasser Arab (Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah, SULTANATE of OMAN).

Discipline: Civil & Construction Engineering.
➤ FullText

doi: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2025.11

Keywords: CSR communication; International contractor; international CSR practices; Ethical CSR; CSR image-driven; ICC; Sustainable strategies; LEED certification; CSR perception; CSR efforts; Construction dust; SCP; Construction noise; Fair Business Practices (FBP); Green construction; Construction environment; Philanthropic.

Abstract

This study compares Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in the construction sector between Thailand and international contexts, highlighting key similarities and differences in regulatory frameworks, environmental sustainability, labor standards, community engagement, and strategic orientation. In Thailand, CSR is largely voluntary and often perceived as philanthropic or image-driven, with varying degrees of implementation depending on company size and investor pressure. Environmental and labor standards are improving but face challenges, especially regarding migrant worker welfare and enforcement. Community engagement tends to be informal and focused on donations or local infrastructure support. Conversely, international CSR practices, especially in developed nations, are more structured and are largely influenced by regulatory requirements, stakeholder demands, and global sustainability initiatives. In these contexts, CSR is approached strategically, incorporating environmental certifications (such as LEED), robust labor protections, and established mechanisms for community engagement. The analysis indicates that while Thailand is advancing in its CSR efforts, there remains a considerable gap in adopting CSR as a long-term strategic approach for sustainable development within the construction sector.

Paper ID: 16A2D

Cite this article:

Phothong, T., Chearnkiatpradab, B., Anantakarn, K., Witchayangkoon, B.B., Arab, Y. (2025). Comparison of CSR in the Construction Sector between Thailand and International Practices. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 16(2), 16A2D, 1-9. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2025.11

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