Thailand’s New Labour Bill Grants 120 Days Maternity Leave, 15 days for Fathers
In a landmark decision today, Thailand’s House of Representatives passed the updated Labour Protection Act, granting female employees an astounding 120 days of paid maternity leave.
Additionally, fathers can now enjoy 15 days of paid leave to assist with newborn care. The draft now heads to the Senate for review.
This decision follows revisions made after the first reading, extending maternity leave from 98 to 120 days.
A decisive vote saw 416 MPs in favour, with only one abstention and three MPs absent. This change aims to enhance the quality of life for employees and nurture family bonds.
According to the new legislation, employers are required to cover 50% of a female employee’s daily wage during her 120-day maternity leave.
Meanwhile, male employees assisting with newborns will receive their full daily wage for up to 15 days. This progressive move represents a major shift in supporting working families.
Source: Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-17
