Understanding Employee Leave Entitlements in Thailand

For multinational companies operating in Thailand, understanding local leave regulations is essential for compliance and effective human resource management. Thai labor law provides employees with several types of protected leave, balancing business needs with worker welfare.

Annual Leave Provisions

Employees who have completed one year of continuous service are entitled to a minimum of six days annual leave. For staff with less than one year of service, leave is granted proportionally. Employers may schedule annual leave in advance or coordinate timing through mutual agreement. Many companies allow unused leave to accumulate, providing flexibility for both employees and organizations.

Sick Leave Regulations

Thai employees receive up to 30 working days of paid sick leave annually, with medical certification required for absences exceeding three consecutive days. Importantly, work-related injuries and maternity leave are treated separately from standard sick leave. Companies should maintain clear documentation procedures to manage legitimate sick leave while preventing abuse.

Maternity Leave Rights

Female employees are entitled to 98 days of maternity leave, including holidays, with 45 days paid at their regular rate. Additionally, pregnant workers cannot be required to work between 10 PM and 6 AM, perform overtime, work on public holidays, or operate in hazardous environments. These protections apply regardless of employee consent, with violations subject to penalties under the Labor Protection Act.

Special Leave Categories

Thailand's comprehensive labor framework includes several specialized leave types:

Sterilization Leave: Employees undergoing sterilization procedures receive paid leave for the duration certified by a medical professional
Military Leave: Male employees receive paid leave for military duties, with a maximum of 60 paid days annually
Training Leave: Unpaid leave is available for professional development activities
Personal Business Leave: Employees receive up to three paid days annually for urgent personal matters, separate from annual leave entitlements

Public Holidays in Thailand

Thailand observes approximately 24 public holidays annually, combining national, royal, and religious observances. While most businesses close completely, service industries may operate with reduced staffing. The 2025 holiday calendar includes:

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Makha Bucha Day	February 12
Chakri Memorial Day	April 6-7
Songkran Festival	April 13-15
Labor Day	May 1
Coronation Day	May 4-5
Royal Ploughing Ceremony	May 9
Visakha Bucha Day	May 11-12
Queen Suthida's Birthday	June 3
Asarnha Bucha Day	July 10
King's Birthday	July 28
Mother's Day	August 12
King Bhumibol Memorial Day	October 13
Chulalongkorn Day	October 23
National Day/Father's Day	December 5
Constitution Day	December 10
New Year's Eve	December 31

Companies like SailGlobal provide comprehensive support for international businesses navigating Thailand's complex employment landscape, ensuring compliance while optimizing workforce management strategies.

Thailand Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, Maternity Leave Regulations