Thai labor and employment laws: All you need to know

If you’re looking to hire employees in Thailand, understanding the intricacies of Thai labor and employment legislation is non-negotiable, especially for non-Thai employers. Adhering to these laws safeguards your business from potential penalties and negative legal implications. Here, we delve into 10 key aspects of Thai labor and employment laws you need to grasp.

Different types of employment contracts in Thailand

There are two types of employment contracts in Thailand: fixed-term and open-ended (permanent) contracts. Fixed-term contracts define terms and conditions of time-limited working relationships, where both parties agree upon the duration of the working arrangement in advance. On the other hand, open-ended or permanent contracts do not specify the end date of the arrangement, and the contract is in effect until one of the parties decides to terminate it.

Employment contracts serve to protect both employers and employees from potential disputes. Still, if there is no defined contract, the law, in most cases, favours the employee. What the contract will include varies between companies, but basic parameters that should be specified in the document are:

• New hire’s roles and responsibilities
• Compensation and benefits packages
• The terms and conditions for termination

What are the minimum wages in Thailand? 

Thailand has a government-mandated minimum wage, a minimum among which an employee in Thailand is legally entitled to receive for their work, ranging from 330 Baht a day to 370 Baht a day. The amount varies between provinces based on the cost of living in each. 

Minimum wage regulations in Thailand are dynamic and require careful monitoring for full compliance. While the baseline wage is determined at the national level, the actual rates are decided regionally, accounting for local economic conditions. This includes areas like Bangkok, where wages are typically higher, reflecting its bustling metropolitan and business hub status.

We have chosen nine out of 76 Thailand provinces, plus the capital city, Bangkok, to illustrate the differences in minimum wages.

As an employer, keeping abreast of these variations ensures that your company stays compliant, pays its employees fairly, and maintains a positive work environment and reputation.

What are the overtime laws in Thailand?

Thai labor and employment laws mandate that employees should work at most eight hours a day or 48 hours a week for a non-hazardous job. For work deemed hazardous, the standard working hours in Thailand are reduced to seven hours a day and 42 hours a week.

The Labour Protection Act offers guidelines on adequately paying employees in Thailand when working overtime. 

In general, employees are not obligated to work overtime. They must agree to work beyond their standard working hours. Overtime must be justified, such as in emergency cases when continuous work is required or if allowed by the Ministry of Labor. 

Full-time employees who work beyond their regular working hours are entitled to overtime pay. The overtime pay rate is at least 1.5 times their hourly wage for work on a typical day. For work on holidays, the overtime pay increases up to three times the hourly wage.

Part-time employees may be entitled to overtime pay if they work beyond agreed-upon hours. The eligibility of contractors or seasonal workers for overtime pay depends on the terms of their contracts.

11 things employers need to know about Thai labor laws

Looking to expand your business in Thailand? Employers should keep the following compliance issues top of mind. 

1. Create written employment contracts to avoid disputes

Thai labor and employment laws permit both verbal and written employment contracts. However, to ensure clarity and avoid potential disputes, a written employment agreement in the Thai language is highly recommended. The employment contract lays out the working conditions, wage rate, working days and hours, and other relevant details. Being the backbone of the employer-employee relationship, contracts must align with the provisions of the Thai Labor Protection Act (LPA).

2. Stay up-to-date with changes in Thai minimum wage laws

Thailand's minimum wage rate varies regionally, with Bangkok, the heart of Thailand's business operations, having the highest rate. In 2024, Thailand’s annual minimum wage is approximately $2,973. These rates undergo periodic adjustments influenced by factors such as the cost of living and economic conditions. Staying up-to-date with these changes is crucial for employers to ensure their wage payment practices are in line with the latest regulations.

3. Working over 8 hours a day is considered overtime work

The maximum number of working hours according to Thailand labor law should not exceed eight hours a day or 48 hours a week. If an employee works beyond these standard hours, overtime pay applies. It's vital to note that the hourly wage for overtime work is usually higher than the regular hourly wage. Employers must adhere to these working time guidelines to ensure compliance and maintain a healthy work-life balance for their employees.

4. Misclassifying Thai employees could damage your company’s reputation and lead to legal disputes

In Thailand, it's crucial to correctly classify your employees, whether they're full-time employees, part-time, or independent contractors. Misclassification can lead to serious consequences, including fines and penalties under the Thai Labour Protection Act. Furthermore, misclassified workers may miss out on benefits they are entitled to, such as social security contributions, overtime pay, or severance pay. This could lead to legal disputes and damage your company's reputation.

5. Ensure employees get the right rest periods and holidays

To uphold the quality of life of employees, Thai labor law mandates at least one hour of rest after five consecutive hours of work. A weekly holiday, typically falling on a Sunday, is also a requirement. Additionally, public holidays are observed, and employers must provide special pay rates for any work carried out during these holidays.

6. Employers need to fulfill employees’ leave entitlements

Under Thai labor law, employees are entitled to various forms of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. The minimum annual leave is six working days following a year of service. Sick leave, on the other hand, can be taken up to 30 working days per year with pay. 

In accordance with the amendment of the Labour Protection Act, as of March 2024, maternity leave in Thailand was extended from 90 to 120 days. The amendment aims to support working mothers and gender equality in the workplace. Employers cover 100% of an employee’s salary for 45 days, while social security covers 50% of their regular pay for the remaining period. 

Additionally, certain employment protections and rights apply only to employees, not independent contractors. Maintaining accurate classifications safeguards business operations and promotes a fair workplace.

7. Be aware of severance pay and termination rules to avoid legal implications

Terminating employees in Thailand is a sensitive process that demands meticulous attention. Employers must provide advance notice and may have to pay severance depending on the employee's length of service. In particular situations, such as unjust termination or business transfer, special severance pay may apply. Awareness of these provisions is crucial to avoid conflicts and legal implications.

8. Employers and employees must contribute to social security

Thai labor laws mandate employers and employees to contribute to the Social Security Fund. This social security scheme provides a financial safety net for employees, offering benefits in cases of sickness, injury, disability, death, childbirth, and unemployment. Contributing to this fund is an integral part of an employer's obligations.

9. Businesses with ten or more employees must create written work rules

For businesses with 10 or more employees, Thai law necessitates the establishment of written work rules. These rules, in the Thai language, must be submitted to the local labor office and displayed at the place of business. They cover aspects like working days, wage payment, leave, termination, and disciplinary measures.

10. Understand the Thai Civil and Commercial Code to navigate the legal landscape of Thailand

The Thai Civil and Commercial Code covers several matters beyond employment, including obligations and contracts. These codes provide guidelines on several issues related to business operations in Thailand. Understanding these guidelines can help employers navigate the broader legal landscape of Thailand beyond labor and employment law.

11. Labor relations: employees have the right to form unions

A crucial aspect of Thai labor law revolves around labor relations. This includes employees' rights to form unions, collective bargaining, and how to handle disputes. Employers should grasp these rules to ensure a harmonious and legally compliant work environment.

Frequently asked questions about Thai labor laws

What is ordination leave?

In Thai culture, once a man turns 20, they should go to a monastery and study dharma, the teachings of the Lord Buddha. For that reason, many companies offer up to 30 consecutive days per year of ordination leave to their Buddhist employees entering monkhood. The conditions are: 

• An employee must be at least 20 years old
• An employee must have been in a company for at least two consecutive years
• An employee can take leave only once

What is the leave policy in Thailand?

Thai employees are entitled to various leave types:

• Annual leave (minimum of six working days after one year of service)
• Sick leave (up to 30 days per year with pay)
• Maternity leave (up to 120 days, the employer provides 100% of employees’ regular pay for 45 days; the remaining period covers Social Security Fund, providing employees on maternity leave 50%  of their regular salary)

What are the required benefits in Thailand?

Thai labor laws require employers to provide a range of benefits. These include contributions to the Social Security Fund, which supports employees in sickness, injury, disability, death, childbirth, and unemployment. Employees are also entitled to various leave types, including annual, sick, maternity, and paternity leave. Employers must also provide compensation for work during public holidays.

How do I terminate employees in Thailand?

Terminating employees in Thailand requires careful navigation of labor and employment laws. An employer is required to provide advance written notice for termination of employment, which is typically at the end of the payment period. However, in lieu of notice, an employer can make a payment equivalent to the employee's wage for the notice period.

Severance pay is another crucial consideration and depends on the length of an employee's service. For example, an employee who has worked for 120 days but less than one year is entitled to 30 days' wages.

This scales up to 300 days' wages for an employee who has worked for ten years or more. In cases of termination due to business transfer or unjust causes, the employee may be entitled to special severance pay.

Remember, the termination process should be fair and respectful if you want to maintain a positive business reputation and avoid potential legal disputes.

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This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of December 16, 2024.

Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.