In brief
As discussed in our previous newsletter on the additional leave entitlements for mothers and their spouses, the Amendment to the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) (No. 9) ("Amended Act") was published in the Royal Gazette on 7 November 2025 and will become effective on 7 December 2025.
In more detail
Impact on employers
Employers should review these new leave requirements and update their work regulations, employee handbooks, and other employment-related policies and HR procedures to reflect these changes. We can assist in guiding you through the necessary steps to prepare for the new requirement and implement the updated terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Key changes introduced by the Amended Act
- Maternity leave
Under the Amended Act, maternity leave has been extended to 120 days for each pregnancy, with employers required to pay full wages for up to 60 days of that leave.
- Infant care leave
The Amended Act introduces a new provision for infant care leave, allowing female employees, after having used their maternity leave, to take up to an additional 15 days of leave if their infant suffers from a medical condition posing risks of complications, abnormalities, or disabilities. During this period, employers must pay at least 50% of the employee's normal wage. However, the employees will have to provide a medical certificate to the employer in order to legally utilize the leave.
- Parental leave
For the first time, the Amended Act provides employees with up to 15 days of paid parental leave to assist their spouse who has given birth, to be taken within 90 days of childbirth. Employers are required to pay full wages for the duration of this leave.
Should you need assistance on this, please contact us.
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Added Napatsorn Pureethip and Preeyapa Aksharamat, Paralegals, have contributed to this legal update.