The Royal Gazette has announced new nursing work hour regulations limiting shifts to no more than 12 hours per day, emphasizing patient and staff safety and reducing fatigue risks. These regulations have been effective since today.
On 11 March 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Royal Gazette published the Nursing Council's announcement regarding nursing work hours for safety, B.E. 2569 (2026). . The regulations are now in effect (since 11 March 2026) to raise the standards for nursing work schedules, reduce fatigue-related risks, and enhance safety for both patients and healthcare workers.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added that the Nursing Council recognizes that having adequate and appropriate nursing staff both in quantity and quality is a crucial component of a quality healthcare system. At the same time, if nurses work long continuous hours or have insufficient rest between shifts, it may increase the risk of adverse incidents and affect patient safety.
The new announcement sets key guidelines for nursing work hours, including
Additionally, healthcare facilities must implement safety measures for nurses, such as scheduling rest breaks during shifts, recovery after heavy workloads, and providing rest areas during shifts, especially for night shifts, to prevent accumulated fatigue.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson further stated that these guidelines also encourage healthcare facilities to properly manage nursing human resources, promote nurses’ well-being, prevent burnout, and support work-life balance so that staff can work safely and effectively.
“Setting these work hour regulations will help elevate nursing workforce management standards, reduce fatigue-related risks, and enhance the long-term safety of patients and medical personnel.”