Fifteen years after the adoption of the Domestic Workers Convention, Thailand has made important progress in improving labour rights and protections for domestic workers. However, further action is needed to ensure that all domestic workers receive fair treatment, security, and access to decent work.
Domestic workers across Thailand, including both Thai nationals and migrant workers, play an essential role in supporting households and the wider economy. They provide cleaning, cooking, childcare, elderly care, and support for people with disabilities, with the majority of workers in the sector being women.
A major step forward came in April 2024, when Thailand introduced Ministerial Regulation No. 15 to strengthen protections for domestic workers. The regulation provides important labour rights, including minimum wage protections, eight-hour workdays, daily rest periods, maternity leave, and protection against dismissal due to pregnancy.
Despite these improvements, challenges remain. Many domestic workers and employers still need greater awareness of their rights and responsibilities under the new rules. Domestic workers are also not yet included in the mandatory social security system, leaving many without adequate protection in cases of illness, disability, retirement, or loss of income.
The demand for domestic work is expected to increase as Thailand’s population ages and the need for care services grows. Ensuring proper labour protections will become increasingly important to support both workers and the families who depend on them.
The Thai government, with support from the International Labour Organization, is working to improve enforcement and compliance through labour inspector training and new approaches tailored to the domestic work sector. Worker organizations are also growing, helping domestic workers have a stronger voice in protecting their rights.
Thailand’s progress shows a commitment to improving conditions for domestic workers, but expanding social security coverage and ratifying the Domestic Workers Convention would further strengthen these efforts. Ensuring decent work for domestic workers is essential for building a fairer and more inclusive society.
