Thailand approves expanded maternity and parental leave benefits

At a glance

• On 15 September 2025, the Thai Senate approved a key amendment to the Labour Protection Act, enhancing protections for insured female employees.
• Maternity leave is extended from 98 to 120 days, with full pay for the first 60 days and partial Social Security coverage under review for the remainder.
• New provisions include 15 days of paid leave for spouses to support childcare and additional leave for mothers in cases of newborn health complications.
• Employers with ten or more staff must now submit annual reports on employment and working conditions to the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare.
• The law will take effect 30 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.

On 15 September 2025, in a significant step toward strengthening employee welfare, the Thai Senate officially approved the latest amendment to the Labour Protection Act, following its passage through the House of Representatives and review by the ad hoc committee. The amendment introduces enhanced protections and benefits for female employees insured under the Social Security system, with a particular focus on maternity leave, childcare support, and spousal involvement.

Following Senate approval, the Secretariat of the Senate will proceed with the formal promulgation process. The new law is expected to take effect 30 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette.

Key highlights of the amendment

Extended maternity leave

• Maternity leave is increased from 98 days to 120 days.
• Employees will receive full wages for up to 60 days during the leave period.
• It remains to be confirmed whether the remaining 60 days will be fully or partially covered by Social Security benefits.

Additional leave for child health complications

• If a newborn experiences health complications, disabilities, or risks of serious illness following the standard maternity leave period, the mother is entitled to an additional 15 days of leave.
• During this period, they will receive 50% of her regular wage.

Paternity / spousal leave for childcare

• The amendment introduces 15 days of paid leave for the spouse of the insured female employee to assist with childcare.
• This leave can be taken within 90 days before or after childbirth.
• Full wage compensation is provided for the entire leave period.

Employer reporting obligations

• To ensure transparency and compliance, employers with ten or more employees are now required to submit an annual report detailing employment and working conditions to the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare.
• The report must be submitted by January of each year.