Employee Leave Rights in Thailand: Sick, Annual, Personal and Maternity Leave
Leave rights under Thailand's Labour Protection Act: sick, annual, personal, the new maternity and paternity rules, how to request leave and what to do if refused.
A colleague was seriously ill for three days and, on returning, was told the sick days would come out of annual leave. Another is pregnant and unsure how many days she can take. These situations are common because many employees do not know their minimum legal rights. This article summarises the main leave rights under the Labour Protection Act and its latest amendments, plus how to use them professionally.
This is general information as of October 2026. Laws and details may change. For a specific case, consult the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare or a labour lawyer.
What are statutory leave rights?
They are minimum rights an employer must give. A company may give more but not less. Other details, such as how to request leave and what documents are needed, are in each company's work rules. Ask to see them from your first day.
The main leave rights to know
Sick leave
You may take leave for as long as you are actually ill. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare states that employers must pay wages for sick leave of up to 30 working days per year. For 3 or more working days, the employer may ask for a medical certificate; without one, you must explain to the employer. Sick leave is separate from annual leave.
Annual leave
Employees with one full year of continuous service are entitled to at least 6 working days of annual leave per year, according to the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. Many companies give more and may allow unused days to carry over. Check your company's rules.
Personal business leave
The Labour Protection Act (No. 7) B.E. 2562 (2019) provides leave for necessary personal business of at least 3 working days per year, paid for up to 3 days a year, for example government errands, a family funeral, or matters that cannot be postponed.
Maternity leave
Under the Labour Protection Act (No. 9) B.E. 2568, effective 7 December 2025, female employees may take up to 120 days of maternity leave per pregnancy, up from 98 days, with the employer paying wages for up to 60 days. Check Social Security benefits directly with the Social Security Office.
Leave to support a spouse's childbirth and to care for a sick child
The same law adds 15 days of paid leave for a spouse to help with childbirth, and an additional 15 days when a child is ill or has a condition needing care, paid at half wages.
Other leave types
- Sterilisation leave: as prescribed by a doctor, with pay.
- Military service leave: as long as the authorities call you, paid for up to 60 days a year.
- Training leave: for skill development under the legal criteria, with advance notice, and generally unpaid.
Requesting leave professionally
- Put it in writing: use the company leave system or email, even if you already agreed on LINE.
- Give notice for annual leave: state the dates and your handover plan; approval becomes easier.
- Report sick leave as early as possible: sample message: Dear [name], I have a high fever today and would like to take 1 day of sick leave. I have asked [name] to cover the urgent [task]. If I need more days, I will let you know with a medical certificate.
- Keep records: leave forms, emails and medical certificates until the year ends.
What to do if your rights are refused
- Talk to HR first, politely referring to company rules and the law.
- Ask for a written answer if it is still unresolved.
- Consult your local Labour Protection and Welfare office or the Ministry of Labour hotline 1506.
Knowing your rights is not aggressive. It is part of being a professional.
A checklist for today
- Ask to see your company's work rules
- Check how many days of each leave type you have used this year
- If you are planning a family, look into maternity leave and Social Security rights in advance
When comparing a new job offer, look beyond salary and ask about leave and benefits too. Browse roles on job search on Plants.work, and if you have been laid off, read your rights after a layoff. For general work questions, try the AI Career Assistant, but consult a professional on specific legal matters.