Global Compliance – Thailand

Thailand: Upcoming Amendments to the Labour Law Provisions

Thailand has recently amended the Labour Protection Act, B.E. 2568 (“the Act”), expanding employee leave protections and strengthening employer obligations. Effective 7 December 2025, the amendments increase maternity leave, introduce supplemental leave for mothers caring for newborns with health conditions, provide paid spousal leave for childbirth, and mandate annual reporting by employers with a workforce of ten or more. 

Key changes to the amendments are as follows:  

Maternity Leave 

Currently, female employees are entitled to 98 days of maternity leave each pregnancy. The employer must pay the employee their regular rate of pay for the initial 45 days, and eligible employees shall receive benefits from the Social Security Fund at 50% of their average salary for the remaining days. 

Effective December 7, 2025, employees will be entitled to receive 120 days of maternity leave each pregnancy.  

Pay: The employee will be entitled to receive full pay at their regular rate of wages from the employer for the initial 60 days. The remaining days of the maternity leave will be compensated by the Social Security Fund for employees who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Additional Maternity Leave for Newborn’s Illness 

Currently, there is no additional maternity leave entitlement for mothers whose newborns have illnesses, developmental disorders, or disabilities. 

Effective December 7, 2025, female employee will be entitled to receive additional 15 days of consecutive maternity leave in case their newborns have illnesses, developmental disorders, or disabilities. 

Pay– An employee will be entitled to receive 15 days of paid leave from their employer at 50% of their regular rate of pay for this period. 

Notice Requirement– An employee must submit medical certification to their employer confirming the condition of their newborns from a licensed medical practitioner.  

Spousal Leave for Childbirth (Paternity Leave) 

Currently, there is no spousal leave for employees whose spouses give birth. 

Effective December 7, 2025, employees whose spouse gives birth will be entitled to receive 15 days of paid leave from their employer. This leave shall be taken before or within 90 days of childbirth. 

Employer Reporting Obligations  

Currently, employers are required to submit employment and working conditions reports only upon written request from a labour inspector. 

Effective December 7, 2025, all employers with 10 or more employees must submit an annual report on employment and working conditions to the Director General by January of each year. 

Take Away– Employers should review and update their internal policies to align with these upcoming requirements.