Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, extended his congratulations to all workers following the House of Representatives’ approval of the draft Labour Protection Act (Amendment No. …), which increases the maternity leave entitlement for female employees from 98 days to 120 days. Employers are required to pay full wages for 60 days during maternity leave. Additionally, female employees may take an extra 15 days of leave to care for a newborn child in the case of a serious health condition, developmental abnormalities, or disability, with the employer paying 50% of wages during this extended leave.
The bill also grants employees the right to take 15 days of leave to assist a spouse who has given birth. This leave can be taken either prior to or within 90 days after childbirth, and employers must pay 100% of wages throughout the leave period.
Mr. Pongkawin further stated that these new entitlements align with the Ministry of Labour’s declared policy to protect all workers equally. He affirmed that the Ministry of Labour will continue to safeguard every worker group. Moreover, he stressed the need to push forward new labour laws that include over 21 million informal workers by introducing them into the legislative process for swift enactment. Given the rise of new forms of employment, the Ministry of Labour must ensure equal protection for all groups and continue researching modern work patterns to update labour laws and the social security system accordingly.
“Maternity leave rights are vital and have long been called for by many sectors to improve people’s quality of life. I am committed to advancing the progress of the Thai labour force, enhancing productivity and quality of life, and making the Ministry of Labour a true provider of opportunities for Thai workers,” Mr. Pongkawin concluded.
