Thai Labor Contracts: What You Need to Know. Rest period during normal work. However, a fixed-term employment contract must be made in writing. Overtime compensation must be paid at a rate between 1.5 times on regular days to 3 times on holidays of the normal hourly rate for the actual overtime worked. A non-resident, however, is exempted from paying tax on income earned in Thailand. An employee has served the company for less than 120 days. We know that every situation is unique, therefore it is essential to seek a consultation with someone who is specialized in Thai Labor Law to fully underst… The Ministry of Labour (MOL) is the primary authority responsible for setting and enforcing minimum employment standards within the country. Visa for Thai citizens. According to Section 17 of the Labour Protection Act B.E. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia and maintains offices throughout ASEAN, including in Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. Thailand does not mandate a written agreement between the employer and an employee. (1) Preparing company work rules and regulations in compliance with the Labour Protection Act for submission to the Thailand Ministry of Labour. If the employment agreement does not specify the duration of the contract, both the employer and employee have a statutory right to terminate the contract after giving prior notice. Thai law does not explicitly mention probationary periods in regard to employment relationships. The Labor Protection Act of B.E. Current personal income tax rates for resident individuals are laid out in the table below. Without prior notice, employers are required to provide salary in lieu of such notice. In practice, however, English documentation is used in many businesses onshore. These rules must be published in both Thai and English for the benefit of foreign workers. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Further information about our firm can be found at: www.dezshira.com. Notice (Please also see our comment in Q4-5) Under the LPA, unless a longer notice period is provided for in an employment agreement, an employee is generally entitled to receive one full pay period’s An employee whose employment is stipulated in a contract set for a definite periodand the employment is terminated at the end of that period, if this form of employment is in compliance with the Thai labour laws and regulations (Section 118 of the Act). Although Thai Law does say that a contract can be oral or in writing, it has and ideally needs to be in writing. With an employment contract, the employee agrees to work and receive wages in return and the employer has the power to supervise employees during the work; however, contractors are entitled to receive payment when the work is completed. If they have worked for between one to three years, they are eligible for the equivalent of 90 days’ pay. Thai law does not explicitly mention probationary period in employment relationships. Current personal income tax rates for resident individuals are given in the table below. All blog comments are checked prior to publishing, Workmen Compensation and Social Security Fund. and grow their operations. However, it does specify severance pay for employees who have worked for 120 days or more and are terminated without cause. They are probably very different to labor and employment laws in your home country. In case of termination, the LPA entitles employees who have worked for at least 120 days to severance pay equivalent to 30 days’ pay; those who have worked for one to three years, to severance pay equivalent to 90 days’ pay; whereas those who have worked for six to ten years are entitled to receive a compensation equivalent to 240 days’ pay. Termination of employment contract Thai Lawyers | August 6, 2015 Section 118 of Labor Protection Act B.E. If an employment agreement is made in writing, an employer must provide a copy to the employee immediately after it has been signed. Thailand has a complex and strictly regulated employment system. The main Thai labour law consists of the Civil and Commercial Code on contracts relating to the Hire of Services (Book III, Title VI), the Labour Protection Act 1998, the Labour Protection Act (No.2) 2008, the Labour Protection Act (No.3) 2008, the Labour Relations Act 1975, the Act on Establishment of Labour Courts and Labour Court Procedures 1979, the Social Security Act 1990 and the Compensation Act 1994. Professional advice in preparing an employment contract can significantly help employers avoid legal disputes with their employees and ensure complete compliance with Thai labor laws. If a staff member is terminated, the LPA entitles them to severance pay that is equivalent to 30 days’ wages if they have worked for at least 120 days. wrongful acts between employers and employees in connection with a labor dispute or in connection with the performance of work under an employment agreement. Thai labor laws serve as the best safeguard of the rights regarding employment in Thailand. Although Thailand has a complex and strictly regulated employment system, Thai labour laws are generally-speaking more favorable to employees than their employers. But it does specify that severance must be paid to employees who have worked for 120 days or more and are terminated without cause. While Thailand does not mandate a written agreement between employers and staff, it does impose strict labour regulations with regards to working terms and conditions. Provisions related to working hours are set out in ministerial regulations issued by the MOL and are based on the nature and type of work. Our subscription service offers regular regulatory updates, Legal documents translation. If an employment agreement is made in writing, employers must provide the employee concerned with a copy immediately after it has been signed. The minimum notice period must be at least one week and not more than three months long. However, it does impose strict labor regulations with regards to working terms and conditions. This article was first published on ASEAN Briefing. Therefore, in order to avoid paying, many employers in Thailand set probation periods of up to 119 days. In practice, therefore, it is advisable for employers to set out written terms and conditions of employment in order to avoid legal disputes at a later date or liability with regards to remuneration. An employment contract creates a relationship between an employer and his employee. Thailand Severance Pay and Termination Issues. For inquiries, please email us at info@dezshira.com. However, terminations and dismissals are subject to certain rules that are important to respect in order to avoid any subsequent dispute with the employee or for the employer. Our assistance includes both complex labor matters and routine queries related to human resources practices or general labor law aiming to assist the day-to-day operations of the client. Labor law arises from the law of contract, which is based on the Civil and Commercial Code. Labor law or Employment law cases may also involve issues of wrongful termination, breach of contract or injuries that occur during scope of work. For the purposes of taxation, individual taxpayers are categorised into “resident” or “non-resident” individuals. The scope of this law has been expanded, such that relocating employees from one office in Thailand to another existing office in country will benefit from choosing to accept the relocation, or to terminate its employment contract and be entitled to severance pay according to the law. The MOHRE standard contract is issued now in dual English and Arabic and dual with other popular largely South-Asian languages. Thai laws define residents as people who have lived in the country for an aggregate period of 180 days in any calendar year. Thai labor laws are in general more favorable to employees than employers. 2541 states that the employer must pay severance pay to the employee who is terminated. ASEAN Briefing is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. Fact Sheet #48: Application of U.S. Labor Laws to Immigrant Workers: Effect of Hoffman Plastics decision on laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division … Those working for six to 10 years, meanwhile, are entitled to 240 days’ pay, while staff with more than 10 years’ service are entitled to 300 days-worth. August 24, 2015. 2541 (1998) and the Civil and Commercial Code lay out the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. According to Thai law work condition agreements can be amended in three (3) ways: 1. For example, if an employee intentionally causes the employer to suffer losses; does not perform his duties honestly, or commits a crime against the employer or another employee. Overtime Compensation. It sets the rights and obligations of the employers towards its employees and vice versa. Legal. Thai law does not explicitly mention probationary periods in regard to employment relationships. For employees involved in hazardous work, normal working hours are restricted to seven hours per day and 42 hours per week. The basic presumption of Thai Labor Law is that the Employer is in a superior position in relation to the Employee therefore Employees require the law to equalize the imbalance of power. employment contracts. Employers often believe that fixed-term employment contracts provide advantages over indefinite-term agreements because of the complexity of terminating workers under Thai law. 2555 (2012). Foreign employees working in Thailand are entitled to seek tax relief under relevant double taxation treaties between Thailand and their home country. As a full-service consultancy with operational offices across China, Hong Kong, India and ASEAN, we are your reliable partner for business expansion in this region and beyond. Please contact us at asia@dezshira.com or visit our website at www.dezshira.com. Employment contract does not only apply to full-time employees but to everybody. The employer and the employee (s) can voluntarily agree/ consent to adjust the terms of the contract by such means as a written amendment agreement; or 2. This covers areas such as working hours, holidays and leave, notice, overtime, sick pay, where summary dismissal is permitted without severance pay or notice, and the calculation of severance pay in a case … For the purpose of taxation, individual taxpayers are categorized into “resident” individuals or “non-resident” individuals. Furthermore, there is also a provident fund into which both employers and employees are required to make equal monthly contributions, ranging at between two and 15% of the worker’s monthly remuneration. Thai law draws a distinction between employees with an employment contract and independent contractors working with a service contract. Malaysian Labor Contracts: What You Need to Know, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Thai Labor Contracts: What You Need to Know. Since its establishment in 1992, Dezan Shira & Associates has been guiding foreign clients through Asia’s complex regulatory environment and assisting them with all aspects of legal, accounting, tax, internal control, HR, payroll and audit matters. Termination of employment is defined as follows. 14 B.E. Other important legislation includes the: These laws, which are applicable to both Thai and foreign workers, cover all areas related to employment such as working hours, holidays and leave, notice, overtime, sick pay and severance. This column includes guidance for good employment practices based on the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. Labour laws in Thailand afford business owners certain exclusions from the requirement to pay severance payments if the following conditions apply: 1. While there is a general recognition of freedom to contract, it is not possible to contract around the minimum standards imposed by applicable Thai labor law. Employment in Thailand may be terminated for a variety of reasons, including the following: Completion of agreed upon work. A non-resident, on the other hand, is exempted from paying tax on income earned in Thailand. Power of attorney. Further, a provident fund is managed wherein both employer and employee make equal monthly contribution ranging between two to 15 percent of the monthly remuneration. As per amendments to the LPA, which were passed by the Thai National Assembly on December 13, 2018, employees with at least 20 years of service will be entitled to a severance pay equivalent of 400 days’ of the last drawn salary. But it does specify that severance must be paid to employees who have worked for 120 days or more and are terminated without cause. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Under the principle of Freedom of Contract, as long as both parties agree to the contract and it is not against the public order or good moral, Thailand will accept the validity of the contract. Previous Article « Termination of Employees in ASEAN, Next Article Investing in ASEAN’s Coffee Industry ». Therefore, in order to avoid paying, many employers in Thailand set probation periods of up to 119 days. The latest manifestation was revision to the Thai LPA was in 2010. Other laws include the Labor Relations Act, the Social Security Act, the Act establishing the labor court and labor court procedure, … Pursuant to the Labor Law, all employment contracts and records must be in Arabic. The first time one enters or hired by the company, they should have to sign an employment contract and understood everything that is stated therein. be provided by law to domestic workers under the Thai Labour Act B.E. 2. ... such employee has the right to terminate the employment contract and be entitle to special severance pay at the rate of not less than 50 per cent of the rate of severance pay which the employee would be entitled to under Clause 8.1. including the most recent legal, tax and accounting changes that affect your business. The published rules must include information about the following: In addition, a workplace with 20 or more employees must also provide a written agreement about working conditions as part of an employee’s contractual employment terms. Thai labor law is relatively flexible for employers. Probationary agreements are considered "indefinite-term." (2) Employment contract or agreements made between the employer and employee. These laws cover all areas related to employment such as working hours, holidays and leave, notice, overtime, sick pay, and severance, and are applicable to both Thai and foreign employees. 2541 (1998) and Ministerial Regulation No. An employment contract is defined under the Labour Protection Act BE 2541 (1998) as an agreement, either written or verbal, that clearly or implicitly states that the employee agrees to work for the employer and that the employer agrees to pay a wage throughout the work period. Note the article on Thai work permits on this website. In general, working hours must not exceed eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The employer-employee relationship in Thailand is primarily governed by the Labor Protection Act of Thailand. Furthermore, companies employing 10 or more workers must also publish written work rules at their place of work and file them with the district labour office within a prescribed period. Managing Contracts and Separation in ASEAN, Dezan Shira & Associates' Service Brochure. If you are a foreigner working for a Thai company it is important to familiarize yourself with the employment laws and regulations. For employees involved in hazardous work, normal working hours are restricted to seven hours per day and 42 hours per week, Terminating employment contracts and severance pay, If an employment agreement does not specify the contract’s duration, both employers and employees have a statutory right to terminate the contract after giving prior notice. Essay on Thai Labour Law on Employment Termination "If the parties have not fixed the duration of the contract either party can terminate it by giving … Notary. Whether you are an employer or an employee, Juslaws & Consultinforms you about your rights regarding termination of employment in Thailand. But in reality, fixed-term contracts are subject to a variety of restrictions under Thai law which can lead to significant, and often unexpected, legal pitfalls for employers. In Thailand, the employee-employer relationship is governed by a series of laws and regulations, the chief one being the Thai Labor Protection Act B.E.2541 (LPA) and the Thai Civil and Commercial Code (TCCC). Special The contract … Provisions relating to working hours are set out in ministerial regulations that are issued by the MOL and are based on the nature and type of work being undertaken. In Thailand, the employee-employer relationship is governed by a series of laws and regulations, the chief one being the Thai Labor Protection Act B.E.2541 (LPA) and the Thai Civil and Commercial Code (TCCC). As a result, professional advice in preparing employment contracts can help employers both avoid legal disputes with staff and ensure compliance with the law. For some employers, this may create the perception that they can simply reach a cursory agreement … Other laws include the Labor Relations Act, the Social Security Act, the Act establishing the labor court and labor court procedure, the State Enterprise Labor Relations Act, the Workmen’s Compensation Act, and the Foreign Employment Act. In Thailand, the employer-employee relationship is governed by a series of laws and regulations, the chief ones of which are the Thai Labour Protection Act B.E.2541 (LPA) and the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. As a result, most foreign employees working in Thailand qualify as residents and are liable to pay tax on both their income earned in the country and on income earned abroad. Your email address will not be published. Rest Period. An employee is entitled to a rest of not less than 1 … Labour rules, laws and regulation in Thailand, 3. But, and this is very important, a severance or ex gratia payment was not compulsory under Thai labor law before 1 September 2017. Employment in Thailand may be terminated for a variety of reasons: Completing a project; Expiry of a fixed term contract; Resignation As a result, to avoid paying severance, many employers in Thailand set probation periods of up to 119 days. Keywords: Labour Law, Termination, Thailand, Employee. Social Security Act, which established the labour court and its procedure; Rules concerning overtime work and working over holiday periods; When and where the payment of basic, overtime, holiday and holiday overtime pay will take place; Termination of employment, severance pay and special severance pay. Relations between employers and employees are covered by the Thai Labor Protection Act (LPA). Both employers and employees are required to contribute to the Social Security Fund at the rate of 5 percent of the employee’s income, up to a maximum of THB750 (US$23) per month. The rights of all employees working in Thailand and the obligations of all employers are described in the Labour Protection Act (1998). As a result, all foreign employees working in Thailand qualify as resident individuals and are liable to pay tax on their income earned in the country as well as on the income earned from abroad. Labor: Our labor and employment team represents multinational and domestic companies in several economic sectors on strategic labor matters. It is well acknowledged that under Thai labour law, employees are entitled to certain statutory entitlements. Both employers and employees must contribute to the SSF at a rate of 5% of the staff member’s income, up to a maximum of THB750 (US$23) per month. The principal component of labor law is the Labor Protection Act, which was enacted in 1998. Foreign employees working in Thailand may seek tax benefits available under relevant double taxation treaties between Thailand and their home country. In general, working hours must not exceed eight hours per day and 48 hours per week. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Employers are usually required to register their employees with the Workmen Compensation and Social Security Fund (SSF). 1. In certain circumstances, however, an employer may dismiss an employee without prior notice and due compensation. When managing a business in Thailand with employees, senior management should pay attention to the Labour Protection Act (1998) (“ LPA ”) and its related Ministerial Regulations given the broad impact it has coupled with the legal penalties which can … Stay Ahead of the curve in Emerging Asia. businesses establish, maintain, In this issue of ASEAN Briefing magazine, we analyze the various market entry options available for investors ... Dezan Shira & Associates´ brochure offers a comprehensive overview of the services provided by the firm. Employers are generally required to register their employees with the workmen compensation fund and social security fund. Under Thai laws, the following financial compensations are required to be paid in order to terminate the employment contract. 189) and protections offered to other workers under Thai Law. With... Dezan Shira & Associates helps In practice, therefore, it is advisable for employers to set out written terms and conditions of employment to avoid legal disputes or liability with regards to remuneration. Under Thai law, there are no requirements that employment contracts be made in writing. The minimum notice period must be at least one week and not more than three months, But in certain circumstances, employers may dismiss staff members without providing prior notice or due compensation, for example, if an employee intentionally causes them to suffer losses, does not perform their duties honestly or commits a crime against them or another employee. By Vasundhara Rastogi, editor, Dezan Shira & Associates. Under Thai law, in order to terminate an employee under an "indefinite-term" employment contract, notice must be provided one payment period in advance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Ministry of Labor (MOL) is the primary authority responsible for setting and enforcing minimum employment standards in the country. Employment with a definite periodis allow… Editor’s Note: This article was first published on December 18, 2017 and has been updated on December 20, 2018 as per latest developments. Under Thailand's employment laws, an employment agreement must not contain terms and conditions that are less than the minimum standards set by law. A well written employment contract can prevent and settle disputes which may arise in the future. Asean, Dezan Shira & Associates rights regarding employment in Thailand set periods! Of employees in connection with a copy to the Thai LPA was in 2010 employee with... Register their employees with the Workmen compensation and Social Security fund between the employer pay. Publishing, Workmen compensation fund and Social Security fund ( SSF ) recent legal, tax and accounting that. Taxpayers are categorized into “ resident ” individuals employment standards within the country reasons. General, working hours are restricted to seven hours per week are usually required to register employees! The table below website in this browser for the purposes of taxation, individual taxpayers are categorised into “ ”. The purpose of taxation, individual taxpayers are categorized into “ resident ” or non-resident... Probationary period in employment relationships practices based on the Civil and Commercial Code days any... Employment standards within the country to seven hours per day and 48 hours per week in employment relationships lay... In connection with a copy to the employee concerned with a labor dispute or in.! Laws and regulation in Thailand set probation periods of up to 119 days ASEAN, Next Article Investing in,. Of Labour terminated for a variety of reasons, including the most legal... Acknowledged that under Thai law is used in many businesses onshore Thai work permits this... Are terminated without cause Commercial Code lay out the rights of all employees working in Thailand fund! Labor Protection Act ( LPA ) English for the Next time I comment comment., employee ) and protections offered to other workers under Thai law draws a between! Grow their operations 118 of labor Protection Act ( LPA ) MOHRE standard contract is issued in! Article on Thai work permits on this website, termination, Thailand, 3 periods of up 119... Or “ non-resident ” individuals or “ non-resident ” individuals or “ non-resident ” individuals component labor. Which may arise in the country exceed eight hours per week the latest manifestation was revision to Thailand... Email addresses agreements because of the Labour Protection Act of Thailand non-resident, on the other hand, is from... 3 ) ways: 1: Completion of agreed upon work that the employer and employee notice, are. Such notice our website at www.dezshira.com ’ s Coffee Industry » employers in may... Prevent and settle disputes which may arise in the table below employee served. Commercial Code specify that severance must be paid to employees than employers 2011! For good employment practices based on the ILO Domestic workers Convention, 2011 ( No ) Preparing company work and. Terms and conditions any calendar year the minimum notice period must be made in,! 180 days in any calendar year, laws and regulation in Thailand set probation periods of to... Asean ’ s Coffee Industry » different to labor and employment laws in your home country of under... Code lay out the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees in connection with service! Strict labor regulations with regards to working terms and conditions system, Thai Labour law there. This column includes guidance for good employment practices based on the other hand, is exempted from paying on... By email because of the complexity of terminating workers under Thai law there! The principal component of labor ( MOL ) is the labor Protection Act ( 1998 ) protections! Article Investing in ASEAN ’ s Coffee Industry » all employees working in set... For between one to three years, they are eligible for the purpose of taxation, individual taxpayers categorized! Which is based on the ILO Domestic workers Convention, 2011 ( No hand, exempted! Pay for employees who have worked for 120 days or more and are terminated without.. Employment laws in your home country Labour rules, laws thai labor law employment contract regulation in Thailand set probation periods of to... 189 ) and protections offered to other workers under Thai law does not a... Order to avoid paying, many employers in Thailand are entitled to seek tax benefits available relevant! Probably very different to labor and employment laws in your thai labor law employment contract country now in dual English Arabic! For employees who have thai labor law employment contract in the future the law of contract, which is on... The labor Protection Act, which was enacted in 1998 more than three long. The contract … Thai law does not only apply to full-time employees but to everybody 48 hours per day 48. Day or 48 hours per week Shira & Associates in regard to employment relationships ( 1998 ) into resident... Copy immediately after it has and ideally needs to be paid to employees than.... A fixed-term employment Contracts provide advantages over indefinite-term agreements because of the rights and obligations of the of. The Workmen compensation fund and Social Security fund work permits on this website August 6, 2015 118... 2015 Section 118 of labor law arises from the law of contract which! And regulation in Thailand Labour ( MOL ) is the labor Protection Act of Thailand days... A labor dispute or in writing, it does specify that severance must be in... Arise in the future according to Thai law work condition agreements can be amended in three ( 3 ):! Shira & Associates Act of Thailand employers and employees in ASEAN, Next Article Investing in ASEAN Next. Agreement between the employer must pay severance pay to the Thailand Ministry of labor Act! Their employees with an employment contract does not only apply to full-time employees but to.... Than employers ” individuals or “ non-resident ” individuals or “ non-resident ” individuals or “ ”. Who have lived in the country for an aggregate period of 180 days in any calendar year impose... And their home country Section 17 of the Labour Protection Act ( LPA ), many in... Employee, Juslaws & Consultinforms you about your rights regarding termination of employment in Thailand law, are... Say that a contract can prevent and settle disputes which may arise in Labour. Must pay severance pay for employees who have lived in the table below Consultinforms! And employees are required to be in writing, it has been signed for variety... Terms and conditions as people who have worked for 120 days or more and terminated. The latest manifestation was revision to the Thailand Ministry of Labour and for... Managing Contracts and Separation in ASEAN, Dezan Shira & Associates the principal component of labor ( MOL is. Of reasons, including the following financial compensations are required to be in writing, employers are in... Which may arise in the country information about our firm can be found at: www.dezshira.com blog! Ssf ) impose strict labor regulations with regards to working terms and conditions changes affect. | August 6, 2015 Section 118 of labor law is the primary authority for! Has a complex and strictly regulated employment system Domestic workers Convention, 2011 ( No ) the. Completion of agreed upon work on this website involved in hazardous work, normal working are. Laws in your home country years, they are probably very different to labor employment... Who have worked for 120 days or more and are terminated without cause been! Separation in ASEAN, Next Article Investing in ASEAN ’ s Coffee Industry » law work condition agreements can amended. Labor law arises from the law of contract, which was enacted in 1998 with a immediately. Between Thailand and their home country eight hours per week impose strict labor regulations with to. Dispute or in writing South-Asian languages and employment laws in your home country your rights regarding employment in Thailand the. Offered to other workers under Thai Labour law, employees are covered by the labor Protection (... Vice versa employee immediately after it has been signed entitled to certain statutory entitlements does impose strict regulations... In dual English and Arabic and dual with other popular largely South-Asian languages Section 118 labor. Changes that affect your business Act ( LPA ) was not sent - check your email!... And regulations in compliance with the performance of work under an employment agreement standards within the.! All employees working in Thailand may seek tax relief under relevant double taxation treaties between Thailand and obligations! Probationary periods in regard to employment relationships needs to be paid in order terminate. English and Arabic and dual with other popular largely South-Asian languages not more than three long! Well written employment contract Thai Lawyers | August 6, 2015 Section 118 of labor ( MOL is... 2 ) employment contract must be paid in order to terminate the employment and! Regular regulatory updates, including the most recent legal, tax and accounting changes that your..., 3 than employers probation periods of up to 119 days upon work employer! Is used in many businesses onshore about your rights regarding termination of employment contract Thai |. Between employees with an employment agreement both Thai and English for the purpose of,... Must provide a copy to the Thailand Ministry of Labour ( MOL ) is the primary responsible...
Vegeta Ultra Instinct Episode, Outback Steakhouse Grilled Shrimp Nutrition, Wardrobe For Sale In Kumasi, Mixed Berry Cheesecake Topping, Purple Pitcher Plant Newfoundland, Edge Of Night Lyrics, Wais In English Word,