In Thailand, working conditions are governed more by statute than by collective agreements with labour unions, and Thai labour laws allow significant freedom regarding employment.

The Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) is the key legislation regarding worker’s conditions of employment to be provided by the employer, including maintenance of employment records, working hours and leave, termination of employment, severance, and the employee welfare fund.  The Act applies to all businesses, and all employees with the exception of household staff who are not under the Act’s definition of employee.

Under the Labour Protection Act, the minimum age for employment is 15 years.

Key legislation regarding labour and employment include-:
- The Working Alien Act B.E. 2521 (1978) (Department of Employment)
- Employment and Job Seeker Protection Act B.E. 2528 (1985) (Department of Employment)
- Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 (2002) (Department of Skill Development)
- Labour Relations Act B.E. 2518 (1975) (Department of Labour Protection and Welfare)
- Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) (Department of Labour Protection and Welfare)
- State Enterprise Labour Relations Act B.E. 2543 (2000) (Department of Labour Protection and Welfare)
- Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1980) (Social Security Office)
- Workmen’s Compensation Act B.E. 2537 (1994) (Social Security Office) 

For enquiries regarding labour and employment, please contact

Office of Labour Affairs
Bangkok Bank Ltd. Building, #04-01A
180 Cecil Street
Singapore 069546
Tel. (65) 6224 1797, 6224 9795, 6224 9940
Fax: (65) 6225 9995
E-mail : thaiolba@singnet.com.sg