Current Thai Employment & Labour Law Position

Employment in Thailand is governed principally by the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998), supplemented by the Social Security Act, the Labour Relations Act and the work-permit regime. Employees are entitled to a minimum wage (fixed per province by the Tripartite Wage Committee), capped working hours (8 per day / 48 per week, with statutory overtime rates), paid annual and sick leave, and public holidays. On termination without serious cause, an employee is entitled to statutory severance pay scaled by tenure under Section 118, plus payment in lieu of notice; dismissal without fair cause can also give rise to a claim for damages before the Labour Court. Employers and employees both contribute to the Social Security Fund, which provides medical, maternity, unemployment and pension benefits. Foreign nationals must hold a valid work permit tied to a specific employer and position; certain occupations remain reserved for Thai nationals.