Julpan revealed that the Cabinet approved four labor laws to enhance welfare for seafarers, homeworkers, and state enterprise employees under equal marriage rights.
On 18 August 2026, Julpan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, disclosed that the Cabinet approved two draft laws and four labor-related regulations proposed by the Ministry of Labor. These aim to close legal gaps and expand protections for diverse labor groups, including seafarers, homeworkers, and state enterprise employees under equal marriage provisions.
This legal revision marks a significant step in advancing welfare systems and labor standards to keep pace with societal changes and modern employment forms. The key points are divided into three main groups:
1. Enhancing welfare for seafarers through amendments to the Maritime Labor Act (draft version) B.E. ... The key provision requires employers to directly enroll seafarers in social security and compensation funds, securing seven types of benefits under social security and protection from compensation funds for work-related accidents.
Additionally, it clearly prohibits vessel owners from allowing seafarers under 18 years old to work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., safeguarding the health and well-being of children and youth, except for necessary training or duties as legally specified. This aligns with the 2006 International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention.
2. Extending protections for homeworkers through amendments to the Homeworker Protection Act (draft version) B.E. ... to cover changes in work patterns in the digital era, such as jobs received via online platforms. It also expands coverage to include industrial, commercial, agricultural, and service work types.
The law sets a minimum working age of 15 and prohibits employers from using labor of children under 18 or pregnant women in hazardous work. Employers hiring children under 15 face imprisonment up to 2 years or fines between 400,000 and 800,000 baht. The law also establishes fair wage criteria and increases penalties for employers who default on payments or delay returning deposits, imposing 15% annual interest fines.
3. Guaranteeing spouse rights for state enterprise employees under equal marriage laws via a draft announcement from the State Enterprise Labor Relations Committee. This aligns employee benefits with equal marriage legislation, granting legal spouses of all genders equal rights to medical care, compensation, and funeral benefits. It is expected to benefit over 12,000 employees in medical coverage.
“Our goal is to close all legal gaps and elevate welfare for all labor groups, ensuring equal rights and protecting vulnerable groups including youth, independent workers, and spouses of all genders. This is a significant advancement for Thai society in respecting human dignity,” said Julpan. Julpan stated.