Large protests against new labor laws in Thailand: Chamber of Commerce alerted!

Large protests against new labor laws in Thailand: Chamber of Commerce alerted!

A lot has changed in the Thai working world in the last few weeks. Dr. Phaj Aramwatananon, president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, raised concerns about proposed labor laws approved by the House of Representatives on September 24, 2025. The Chamber of Commerce received numerous complaints from members from five regions and over 20 trade associations who oppose the draft laws and have lodged a formal complaint with relevant authorities, including the Minister of Labor and the Speaker of Parliament. Everyone agrees on one key concern: the new laws could burden the overall economy and increase employment costs for employers, which is particularly worrying in the current economic uncertainty. Bangkok Biz News reports that such changes could potentially lead to business closures and layoffs, as many industries rely heavily on human labor.

But what is actually in the draft laws? One of the most serious changes could be the reduction of regular working hours from 48 to 40 hours per week. While this could improve the quality of life for employees, employers fear that it would significantly increase production costs, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The opinions of employers and the private sector also do not appear to have been sufficiently taken into account. This criticism was made by Dr. Phaj also expressed and stressed the need to carry out a comprehensive consultation of the various stakeholders. This is in line with Article 77 of the Thai Constitution, which requires that all affected parties be integrated into the legislative process.

Private sector concerns

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has continued to advocate for transparency and participation throughout the legislative process. A statement dated October 21, 2025 noted that the private sector, including the Chamber of Commerce and three other institutions, had raised an objection to the draft laws. They not only demand a fair hearing, but also the consideration of international standards such as the guidelines of the International Labor Organization (ILO). These standards emphasize the importance of fair and balanced legislation that respects both the rights of workers and the needs of employers. Thai PBS underlines that uncoordinated implementation of the planned changes could have negative consequences for the economy, especially in times of uncertainty.

The legal framework in Thailand

In Thailand, there have been “labor protection” regulations in place since 1998, which strengthen the rights of employees. The existing regulations include specifications on working hours, minimum wages, vacation and dismissal entitlements as well as regulations on maternity protection. The usual working hours are a maximum of 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, although the regulations in specific sectors allow for special deviations. Thai labor law applies to both Thai and foreign employees and is governed by various laws, including the Labor Protection Act and the Compensation Act 1994. These existing frameworks ensure that the fundamental rights of workers are protected, regardless of the new draft laws. Thai law provides a comprehensive overview of relevant labor law regulations here.

It remains to be seen how the discussion surrounding the new draft labor laws will develop and whether there will be a dialogue between the various stakeholders. The Thai Chamber of Commerce urges an open discussion to ensure that both employees' and employers' interests are protected in the future. Ultimately, the quality of life of employees is at stake.