New Thai Law Grants Overtime Pay for Security Guards Nationwide

Thailand will introduce a new law on 24 April 2026 requiring overtime pay for security guards and similar workers who work more than eight hours per day, in a move aimed at improving quality of life and ensuring fair compensation. The regulation mandates higher pay rates for extended hours, directly affecting thousands of workers in property and site guarding roles across the country.

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On 16 April 2026, Ms Lalida Pertviwattana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the ministerial regulation will come into force later this month. It applies to employees engaged in property or site guarding duties, which are considered regular work tasks but have historically fallen outside standard overtime protections.

The new regulation marks a significant shift in labour policy by repealing provisions in a 2009 ministerial regulation that excluded such workers from overtime pay eligibility. As a result, security guards and property caretakers will now receive the same overtime rights as other categories of employees under Thai labour law.

Under the updated rules, employers must pay no less than 1.25 times the hourly wage for work exceeding eight hours on normal working days. For overtime work performed on holidays, the rate rises to no less than 2.5 times the hourly wage.

The regulation also addresses shift work arrangements. Even where employees agree to work schedules exceeding eight hours per day, provided the total does not exceed 48 hours per week, employers are still required to pay overtime rates for any hours worked beyond the eight-hour daily limit.

Ms Lalida stated that the law reflects the government’s commitment to raising Thai labour standards in line with real working conditions. She emphasised that the measure is particularly important for workers who perform long, continuous shifts and have previously lacked adequate compensation.

The introduction of overtime protections is expected to improve working conditions and income stability for security personnel, a group often associated with extended working hours. It may also increase compliance costs for employers, particularly in sectors reliant on round-the-clock guarding services.

ThaiRath reported that authorities are expected to monitor implementation following the law’s commencement on 24 April 2026, with enforcement mechanisms likely to focus on ensuring employers adhere to the new pay requirements. Further guidance may be issued to clarify compliance obligations and address any disputes arising from the transition.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 17 Apr 2026