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Domestic Helper Employment Costs in Thailand
Full cost breakdown for employing a domestic helper (maid, nanny, housekeeper) in Thailand — wages, social security, insurance, severance, and agency fees.
Overview
Employing a domestic helper in Thailand involves daily or monthly wages, mandatory social security contributions, insurance, and potential severance costs. Bangkok wages are higher than provincial rates. Live-in arrangements reduce the daily wage but add room and board costs. Budget THB 15,000-30,000/month for a full-time helper in Bangkok including all employer obligations.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Government Fee | Lawyer/Agent Fee | Total Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily wage (Bangkok) | N/A | N/A | THB 370 – 500 per day | Minimum wage THB 370/day in Bangkok. Experienced helpers earn THB 400-500/day. |
| Live-in monthly salary | N/A | N/A | THB 12,000 – 20,000 per month | Lower cash wage offset by room, board, and utilities provided by employer. |
| Social security contribution (employer share) | 5% of salary | N/A | THB 600 – 1,000 per month | Mandatory employer contribution of 5% of salary, capped at THB 750/month. |
| Personal accident insurance | N/A | N/A | THB 1,000 – 3,000 per year | Recommended to cover workplace injuries. Some employers include health coverage. |
| Severance pay (if terminating without cause) | N/A | N/A | 1 – 10 months salary | Based on length of service: 1 month (120 days-1 year), up to 10 months (10+ years). |
| Uniforms and supplies | N/A | N/A | THB 2,000 – 5,000 per year | Cleaning supplies, uniforms, and work-related equipment provided by employer. |
| Agency recruitment fee (if used) | N/A | N/A | THB 5,000 – 15,000 | One-time fee if using a recruitment agency. Includes background checks and placement. |
Additional Costs to Consider
Room and board for live-in helpers: THB 3,000-5,000/month equivalent
Holiday bonuses (customary): 1 month salary at Songkran and/or New Year
Transportation costs if daily helper commutes long distances
Training costs for specialized skills (cooking, childcare, elderly care)
Workers' compensation insurance premium: THB 500-1,500/year
Money-Saving Tips
Hire directly through personal referrals rather than agencies to save THB 5,000-15,000 in fees.
A part-time helper (3-4 days per week) costs significantly less than full-time employment.
Live-in arrangements reduce daily wage costs but consider the value of room, board, and utilities.
Register for social security promptly — late registration penalties are higher than the contributions.
Negotiate a probation period (max 119 days) before committing to permanent employment with full benefits.
All costs are estimates based on 2026 Bangkok rates. Provincial rates may be lower. Minimum wage is set by government regulation and subject to annual review. Severance pay is mandated by the Labour Protection Act. Always maintain proper employment records.
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