Public Hearing on the Principles of the Amendment to the Labor Protection Act, B.E. 2541 (1998)

Public Hearing Period: September 14 to October 14, 2026

Key Background:

The Department of Labor Protection and Welfare is opening a public hearing on the draft amendment to the Labor Protection Act, B.E. 2541, to update the law in line with current economic and social conditions. The goal is to elevate the quality of life and protect the dignity of over 30 million Thai workers. Key amendments focus on employment equality and increasing various benefits, such as higher severance pay upon termination, the right to take leave to care for family members, menstrual leave, the provision of lactation spaces, as well as the adjustment of working hours and annual vacation days. Therefore, workers, stakeholders, and the general public are invited to share their opinions on the draft bill. This information will be used for consideration and further legal proceedings.

This additional public hearing for drafting the (new) Labor Protection Act is conducted in accordance with the Act on the Principles of Drafting Laws, B.E. 2562 (2019), to evaluate the achievement and cost-effectiveness of law enforcement. The Department of Labor Protection and Welfare invites all relevant sectors to reflect on information, problems, needs, as well as suggestions and potential impacts. This is to ensure the legal improvement truly achieves its objectives, does not create unnecessary burdens on the state and the public, and leads to the fairest law enforcement.

Key Provisions:

  1. Amend to ensure employment equality in all aspects; employers must treat employees equally without discrimination (Amendment to Section 15).
  2. Amend the working hours of employees (Amendment to Section 23).
  3. Amend the weekly holidays of employees (Amendment to Section 28).
  4. Amend the rights to annual vacation leave of employees (Amendment to Section 30).
  5. Amend to stipulate that menstrual leave shall not be considered sick leave (Amendment to Section 32, Paragraph three).
  6. Stipulate that employees have the right to take leave to care for family members or any other closely related persons (Addition of Section 32/1).
  7. Stipulate that employers must provide appropriate spaces and necessary equipment so employees can breastfeed or pump breast milk at the workplace (Addition of Section 39/2).
  8. Stipulate that female employees have the right to menstrual leave (Addition of Section 40/1).
  9. Amend the right to receive severance pay upon termination for an employment period of 15 years but less than 20 years, granting the right to receive severance pay equal to 350 days of the latest wage rate (Amendment to Section 118).

You can share your feedback and read further details at [Link], or contact the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare at 02-660-2199 and 02-660-2070.