Contributors
Sorrawis Wimonkulwanich
Legal Manager
Thailand is taking proactive steps to reform its parental leave policies to better support working families, align with international labor standards, and respond to demographic challenges such as declining birth rates and an aging population.
Legislative Update
On July 16, 2025, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the draft amendment to the Labour Protection Act, which extends maternity leave from 98 to 120 days and grants fathers the right to 15 days of fully paid paternity leave to assist with childcare.
The approved changes include:
- Extension of maternity leave from 98 days to 120 days
- Increase wages that the employee who takes maternity leave will be entitled to receive from 45 days to 60 days
- Introduction of 15 days of fully paid paternity leave for fathers or spouses in the private sector, aligning with existing benefits for public sector employees
- Expands leave entitlements for female employees to allow extended leave in cases where their child is born with a disability, suffers from illness, or has a developmental disorder. Employees may take an extra 15 days leave with pay at 50% of the employee’s wages.
This draft law introduces, for the first time in the history of Thai labor legislation, the right of male employees to take paternity leave to support childcare. Employers are required to pay full wages for up to 15 days of such leave. This represents a significant milestone in recognizing shared parental responsibilities.
Next Steps
Following its approval by the House of Representatives, the draft bill will be forwarded to the Senate for consideration before it can be enacted into law.
Implementation Considerations
Employers are advised to review internal policies, plan for extended leaves, and communicate clearly with employees to ensure smooth implementation.
Other Entitlements from the Social Security Fund
(This section already exists in current legislation and remains unchanged)
Employees are entitled to the following maternity-related benefits under the Social Security system:
- Maternity leave allowance: THB 22,500
- Pregnancy check-up allowance: For up to 5 visits, totaling THB 1,500
- Childbirth allowance: THB 15,000
- Child support allowance: THB 1,000 per month per child until the child reaches 6 years old , for up to three children at a time.
Conclusion
The proposed amendments mark a progressive shift in Thailand’s labor policy, reinforcing the importance of parental support and shared responsibilities in childcare. By extending maternity leave and formally recognizing paternity leave in the private sector, Thailand is moving toward a more inclusive and family-friendly workplace culture. These changes not only benefit employees and their families but also enhance employee well-being, retention, and productivity in the long term. As the legislation moves forward, employers and policymakers alike will play a key role in ensuring effective implementation and sustainable impact.
