Thailand Updates Labour Law: Stronger Worker Protections and Family Leave

Thailand has approved new changes to its labour law under the Labour Protection Act (No. 9) B.E. 2568 (2025). The law was published in the Royal Gazette on 7 November 2025 and will come into effect 30 days later. The goal is to modernise Thailand’s employment system, strengthen employee welfare, and make it easier for businesses to follow the rules.

New and Expanded Leave Benefits

The law adds several new types of leave and improves existing ones to support families and gender equality.

Maternity Leave

• Now 120 days per pregnancy, with the first 60 days fully paid.
• If the newborn has a medical condition or disability, the mother can take 15 extra days at 50% pay.

Paternity Leave

• Fathers are now entitled to 15 days of paid leave after childbirth.

Menstrual Leave

• One day of leave per menstrual cycle, separate from sick leave.
• Pay will follow the company’s internal policy or collective agreement.

These changes aim to make workplaces more inclusive and family friendly.

Expanded Protection for Contract Workers

Thailand is also implementation wider protection for contract workers. One of the biggest changes is that the law now protects contracted workers who were not fully covered before, such as those working in:

• Government agencies
• State enterprises
• Public organisations

These workers now have the same legal rights as regular employees, including:

• Minimum wage protection
• Public holidays and rest days
• Annual and sick leave
• Maternity and family leave

Any disputes will now be handled by the Labour Court, giving everyone a clear and fair legal process.

Easier Reporting for Employers

Companies with 10 or more employees must now submit their annual employment report directly to the Director-General of the Labour Department each January.

This replaces the previous multi-step system and should make compliance simpler and faster.

Companies operating in Thailand should:

1. Review and update employment contracts and HR policies.
2. Adjust payroll systems to reflect the new entitlements.
3. Plan for the new annual reporting obligation.

Part of a Bigger Policy Shift

These reforms show Thailand’s broader move toward better work-life balance and social support. They also respond to the country’s declining birth rate, aiming to make family life easier for working parents. The new Labour Protection Act marks an important step in balancing business needs with stronger employee rights — a more modern and people-centred workplace for Thailand’s future.

Thailand has good laws protecting employees. These are in many respects in line with Western policies. The time when you could hire someone for THB 9’000 to work 48+ hours in terrible jobs is disappearing. As the country moves towards being a fully developed nation the quality of life and work for employees improve. 

With tightened regulations, minimum wages, and extended leave entitlements, many will say Thailand will become too expensive as businesses find it more difficult to exploit workers. 

This has an impact on tourism with low-income tourists moving on to the next cheap country to visit. The Thai government is looking to attract more higher income visitors to the country. So, if your business in based on low-income tourism you need to start planning how to shift your services to higher income bracket tourists.