Thailand’s House of Representatives has approved two major opposition bills aimed at amending labour laws to reduce working hours, expand leave rights, and promote workplace equality. The first bill limits the workweek to 40 hours for general labourers and 35 hours for hazardous roles, with mandatory two-day weekly breaks.
The second bill focuses on preventing discrimination based on sex, gender identity, religion, beliefs, and political views, while introducing family care leave, breastfeeding facilities, and menstrual leave separate from sick leave. These bills will undergo further scrutiny before final approval.
The reforms come amid broader 2025 labour law updates that also increased minimum wages, enhanced maternity and family leave, raised severance pay, and strengthened protections for gig and temporary workers. Labour unions have welcomed the changes while some employers express concerns about cost and implementation challenges.
Reducing Work Hours and Expanding Leave Protections
The first bill approved by the House sets a maximum 40-hour workweek for most employees, a reduction aligned with international labour standards. Hazardous jobs will have a reduced ceiling of 35 hours per week to safeguard worker health. Employers are required to provide at least two days off every week, with at least one continuous rest day every five days of work.
This aims to curb extended hours and improve work-life balance for employees. The second bill targets workplace equality, outlawing discrimination on various grounds including sex, gender identity, religion, beliefs, or political opinion. It introduces new family care leave entitlements and mandates employers to provide dedicated breastfeeding spaces.
Additionally, provisions for menstrual leave allow women to take time off specific to menstruation without affecting sick leave rights. Opposition MP Natthaphong Ruangpanya said, “These reforms are a crucial step toward dignified, fair, and inclusive workplaces in Thailand.”
Context and Broader 2025 Labour Reform Landscape
These bills are part of a comprehensive overhaul of Thailand’s labour regulations throughout 2025. The Minimum Wage Committee raised daily minimum wages to between 337 and 400 baht, depending on the province. Maternity leave was expanded to 98 days of paid leave, and parental leave provisions have been enhanced for both mothers and fathers.
Protections for gig and temporary workers have been strengthened, providing greater access to benefits and job security. Employers were also required to digitize employment records and contracts to improve transparency. New anti-discrimination laws and the historic legalization of same-sex marriage reflect Thailand’s progressive stance on workplace rights and equality.
While labour groups praise these reforms for promoting fairness and worker welfare, business associations caution about increased costs and operational complexities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Thailand’s labour law reforms set an example of how progressive workplace policies centred on fairness, compassion, and equality can coexist with economic development.
Reducing excessive working hours, recognising gender-sensitive needs like menstrual leave, and safeguarding against discrimination reflect a commitment to human dignity and social justice.
While economic stakeholders must adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes, these policies encourage more inclusive and healthy work environments-essential for sustainable progress. The Logical Indian believes that India too can derive lessons from
