Compared to other member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand’s national TVET system is considered to be relatively well developed. Nevertheless, clear deficits relating to practical learning opportunities are still evident in a school-dominated TVET system. The BMBF-funded project ProWoThai (10/2019–09/2023) addresses these deficits by targeting the development and implementation of forms of work-based learning (WBL) in dual TVET structures and in accordance with the TVET strategy of the Thai government. The programmatic nature of the WBL-project focuses on capacity building and competence development on micro, meso and macro levels, in contrast to a classical empirical research project, which would be more likely to examine the forms of work-based learning (WBL) in Thailand. Nonetheless, qualitative research plays a role, including analysis of documents and literature, expert interviews and workshops, in order to create a common knowledge base and understanding of the relevant societal, cultural and educational contexts, as well as identifying the scientifical and practical concepts at stake. The empirical places and dual structures found in the exploratory study and in which WBL is developed are the Tripartite TVET System (TPTS) and the associated School in Factory (SiF). In terms of development strategy and methodology, ProWoThai’s culturally sensitive reform of WBL is grounded in dialogic-participatory and emancipatory action research, complemented by scientific coaching of partners. The ongoing cooperation of partners from universities, the public–private and the governmental sector has already led to sustainable results, including the establishment of a vocational research institute and jointly developed teaching materials (handouts/guides) for vocational training staff.