Lt. Col. Phattharadasmi revealed that the government is urgently studying and improving benefits to accommodate freelance and film crew workers, raising welfare standards in the entertainment industry, including healthcare and unemployment protection.
On 5 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Lt. Col. Phattharadasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Ministry of Labor is pushing measures to enhance protection for creative workers in Thailand's film and entertainment industry. It was found that many workers face issues such as prolonged continuous work, accepting jobs without contracts, unpaid agreed wages, and lack of proper social security and welfare, especially among the growing proportion of freelance and independent workers as the industry expands.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the Ministry of Labor is collaborating with the Thai Film Directors Association, the Actors Association of Thailand, and the creative media industry to elevate employment standards and comprehensive labor protection. Urgent measures include developing skills (Upskill and Reskill) through training courses by the Department of Skill Development, issuing professional certificates to boost employment opportunities domestically and abroad, and increasing incomes for practitioners.
Additionally, the Ministry of Labor is promoting fair employment by providing knowledge about labor rights and relevant laws, especially encouraging written employment contracts, wage protection, fraud prevention, and safety measures in case of accidents or injuries at work, enabling workers to properly safeguard their rights.
Regarding workplace safety, the Ministry plans to establish a working group with industry representatives to study appropriate work hour standards after feedback revealed many film crew members work continuously over 16 hours per day, impacting health and safety. The ministry will also consider revising related laws and measures to better suit the current nature of the industry.
Meanwhile, studies are underway to improve benefits coverage for freelance and independent workers, including healthcare, unemployment protection, and post-retirement income security, ensuring all creative workers receive adequate protection.