Thailand Proposes Extending Maternity Leave for State Enterprise Employees to 120 Days

On July 30, 2026, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) announced that it is soliciting public opinions regarding a proposed amendment to the regulations governing state enterprise employment conditions. According to Captain Saroj Komkai, Director-General of the DLPW, the initiative aims to align state enterprise labor standards with the Labour Protection Act (No. 9) of 2025, which previously updated protections for private-sector employees.

The core of the proposal involves extending the maternity leave entitlement for female state enterprise employees from the current maximum of 98 days to 120 days. Under the draft, employees would be entitled to receive their regular wages for the duration of the leave, up to the 120-day limit. The department stated that this move is intended to improve the quality of life for workers and strengthen family units by ensuring consistent labor protection standards across both public and private sectors.

For residents and those involved in the Thai labor market, this proposal represents a potential shift in employment benefits. However, it is important to note that this is currently a draft regulation undergoing a public consultation process. The final implementation, specific effective dates, and any potential adjustments to the proposal remain to be confirmed following the review of feedback from employers, employees, and relevant stakeholders. Further updates will depend on the outcome of this legislative review process.