Migrant workers in Thailand are covered by multiple labor legislations, establishing a strong legal framework to uphold workers’ rights. These statutes stipulate specific guidelines for wage payments, including mandatory deductions.

Despite the existence of these mechanisms, many workers remain unaware of how to file a formal complaint. NGOs may also lack the capacity to directly resolve worker grievances.

Employers’ Changes to Conditions of Employment

In developed nations, unions play a key role in setting work hours and minimum wages, reducing exposure to hazardous conditions, and providing medical and vacation leave. However, in Thailand the rate of unionization is low and this may contribute to the long working hours and low pay seen in some sectors.

When an employer wishes to change conditions of employment, such as a reduction in the maximum lawful number of work hours per week, they must obtain consent from employees. Failure to do so can result in a labor dispute.

Employees are also able to raise issues with their employers through the Ministry of Labor and its affiliated departments. These organizations offer a wealth of online resources and can act as a first point of contact for specific queries. In addition, lawyers specializing in labor laws can provide both employers and workers with advice, ensuring that all dealings comply with Thai law. They can also represent parties during arbitration and at labor courts, if necessary.

Employees’ Dissatisfaction

Upholding the legal principles enshrined in Thailand labor laws is of utmost importance to migrant workers, as it serves as a guarantee that both employees and employers will be treated fairly. However, the complex nature of Thai labor law makes it challenging to navigate.

The complexity of the labor environment can also make grievance mechanisms ineffective. ILRF’s research found that workers often feel their voices are not heard by the authorities or that their complaints are ignored.

This is especially the case for migrant workers. While labor welfare committees may be able to address some workers’ issues, their ability to protect worker rights in a sustainable and long-term manner is questionable. Additionally, many migrant workers are unable to file a complaint due to their financial or legal status. This can lead to them accepting a settlement without understanding if it is fair. If the settlement does not meet their expectations, they can file a labor dispute.

Employers’ Retaliation

Moreover, many workers lack awareness of the available complaint mechanisms and how to access them. In Trat, for example, workers interviewed said they were unaware that they could file a complaint with the local DLPW, even though the provincial DLPW conducts outreach work- shops and trainings at hotels and other workplaces on a regular basis.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and its affiliated departments offer extensive online resources and a wealth of information, as well as specialized attorneys who can assist workers with their legal cases. But the cost of retaining such professionals can be prohibitive for many workers, especially given their low wages and financial status.

Thus, despite the strong legal framework in place for employee grievance mechanisms in Thailand, these channels remain underdeveloped in practice. This report offers recommendations to help mitigate these challenges, including through promoting the use of state- and non-state based grievance mechanisms, and educating employers and human resource, compliance, and sustainability staff on their rights and obligations under Thai law.

Employees’ Representation

Workers’ rights are protected by multiple labor laws in Thailand. Employers must be aware that any unilateral changes to conditions of employment may run into colorable objections from employees. A change in maximum lawful work hours per week, for example, could elicit a worker response if it results in reduced compensation.

In some cases, workers’ organizations and employers are able to resolve disputes through mediation or other Thailand dispute resolution channels. This can help ensure that remediation outcomes are aligned with labor law and benefit all parties.

Increasing the availability and effectiveness of these mechanisms can also support migrant workers in accessing the benefits they are legally entitled to, such as unemployment, sickness, death, childbirth, old age and pension benefits. This is particularly important as the majority of migrant workers in Thailand are not unionized.