The Department of Welfare and Labor Protection is concerned about workers impacted by natural disasters and calls on employers to protect workers' rights and safety.
On 27 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Rear Admiral Saroj Komkai, Director-General of the Department of Welfare and Labor Protection, stated that heavy to very heavy rain in many areas from 25–27 September 2026, covering the North, Northeast, Central region, Bangkok and its vicinity, East, and South, may cause flash floods and landslides. This affects employers, workers, and related parties. The department expresses concern for those affected and issues a call for all sectors to cooperate in caring for, assisting, and alleviating workers' hardships as follows.
1. Care for affected workers: If workers' residences are impacted by natural disasters making it impossible to travel to work or causing lateness, employers are asked to allow leave without counting it as an absence or violation of work rules, regulations, or employer orders.
2. Safety preparedness: Employers should develop emergency plans for natural disasters to prepare and minimize losses. Safety committees, occupational health and environment officers, and safety personnel must follow emergency plans and inspect electrical systems, machinery, and premises to prevent hazards.
3. Assistance for affected workers: Welfare committees within workplaces should collaborate with employers to manage and support welfare assistance for affected workers as appropriate.
4. Monitoring and coordinating aid: Labor networks should track information on affected workers, report to department agencies, and coordinate to provide assistance as suitable.
5. Joint problem-solving in good faith: Employers, workers, and labor organizations are encouraged to consult together to find solutions and foster harmonious labor management.
The department also requests employers and workers to support each other to alleviate hardship and ensure workplace safety. Additional labor information can be obtained from the Ministry of Labor hotline at 1506.
