Legal Advocacy Network submits petition regarding two pending labor protection bills

Today (1 April) 10:00 AM at the Parliament, Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, MP (List System) and spokesperson for the People's Party, and Mr. Sia Champathong, MP (List System) of the People's Party, received a letter from representatives of the network advocating for labor protection laws regarding the maternity rights of female workers.

Mr. Bandhit Paenwiset, a representative of the network, stated that he submitted a letter to the People's Party requesting that they expedite the reinstatement of the Labor Protection Law drafts, specifically the version concerning rest periods and the human dignity version, to the House of Representatives during this session. Both drafts have passed the first reading, but due to the dissolution of Parliament, they have not yet proceeded to the second reading. With less than 60 days remaining before the first parliamentary session convenes, the network is concerned that these two draft laws will be forgotten and not brought before the House of Representatives in this session.

Mr. Bandhit further explained that the key provision in the Human Dignity version of the Labor Protection Law is that female workers should be able to take leave for menstrual cramps without it being counted as sick leave. Workplaces are required to provide breastfeeding areas and breast milk storage facilities, as well as leave days to care for sick family members and periods of rest. Key provisions include limiting work hours to no more than 40 hours per week and increasing annual leave to 10 times per year. The first reading of these bills took four months, and a significant amount of budget was already spent; therefore, continued support and push for their completion are crucial.

Mr. Bandhit further stated that he believes these two laws will benefit over 30 million workers by improving their quality of life. Overall, the country will be able to raise the standard of work quality to an international level and gain recognition for having laws that promote and develop workers' quality of life and strengthen ethical business practices.

Mr. Parit stated, on behalf of the party, that the People's Party affirms to the network and all citizens that sustainable economic growth requires an improvement in the quality of life for all worker groups. A healthy economy is built on a government mechanism with comprehensive measures to support workers, especially during economic volatility or crises. A system that protects all types of workers equally is essential. The People's Party has diligently utilized parliamentary mechanisms to push for these labor protection laws. There are some laws that were approved in the previous parliament, while many others are still under consideration.

Mr. Parit further stated that, regarding the pending laws, they have not automatically lapsed. However, to proceed without starting the process anew, a resolution from the Cabinet is required within 60 days of the first parliamentary session of the new parliament, which is expected to be around May 14, 2026.

Mr. Parit continued that the government has more than 40 days to consider which laws can proceed. The People's Party believes that there are many important laws from the 26th Parliament that should be continued, not only the labor law discussed today, but also other laws that will affect the quality of life of the people on a broad scale.

When asked about the opposition's approach to pushing for or negotiating with the Cabinet on this matter, Mr. Parit said that the decision-making power rests with the Cabinet. Therefore, he is using this opportunity during the initial phase of the new government to urge them to consider this matter quickly. He emphasized that if there is no clarity within the remaining timeframe, the opposition party will continuously follow up to ensure that the deadline is not missed. When asked about the proposal for the Speaker of the House of Representatives to play a role in coordinating with the Cabinet, Mr. Parit said that although ultimately it would depend on a Cabinet resolution, he wanted both the Speaker and MPs from all political parties to work together to push for and voice their concerns to the government. This is to ensure that laws beneficial to the people, which have already passed some stage of consideration, do not go to waste and do not require starting the process all over again. Such actions could lead to a loss of opportunity to improve the quality of life for the people in the long term.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong