File photo for reference only

 

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Thailand ranks third globally for the longest working hours, with 46.7% of Thai workers clocking over 48 hours weekly. This figure significantly surpasses the global average of 40 hours. The country's culture of "presenteeism" exacerbates the situation, as numerous employees work while ill, fearing judgment or burdening peers.

 

Thailand's workforce struggles with high stress, and many employees find it challenging to take time off. This reluctance stems from a sense of guilt and fear of disrupting colleagues. Consequently, a substantial 80% of workers feel they deserve more leave but hesitate to use it, while 74% have cancelled planned holidays due to workload demands, often staying connected to work during short breaks.

 

The travel habits of Thai employees are shifting as a result of these pressures. A report by Klook indicates that younger Thai travelers, especially Gen Z, now prefer shorter, more frequent getaways over long, annual vacations. Nearly 50% book trips less than two months in advance, valuing spontaneity and flexibility. Kenny Sham, General Manager at Klook, notes this change reflects a desire for lifestyle experiences rather than traditional, long holidays.

 

Many Thais travel to combat work-related stress, yet workplace norms still inhibit them from fully utilizing their leave. In response, Klook has launched the “Pai Ma La Klook” campaign to promote holiday-taking and manage burnout. This initiative aligns with the Klook Online Travel Fest occurring from October 17-20, 2025, aiming to normalize short breaks amid challenging work cultures.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand ranks third globally for long working hours, impacting employee well-being.
• A trend toward shorter, frequent trips highlights a shift in travel preferences.
• Campaigns are encouraging Thai employees to take deserved leave and alleviate burnout.

 

Click here for more Thailand stories

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-10-17

 

 

I am not surprised... There is no union that take care of workers..Bosses mistreat them by working long hours even in hospitals, and most of the time 7 days a week. On the other hand there are too many days off as replace days for if a holiday is in the weekend and extra days as Mondays and Fridays... Less days to work means more work on normal days..Best solution is stop with the daily wages and give people a monthly salary of 14k a month for a 40 hour workweek max at least 1 day off and holidays off too.. and a yearly holiday of 15 working days.. Things will change, but now days are far too long for the common people.. Teachers in school have to work long days and weekends too.. It is just too much

On one hand I agree with this article - as I know people who work 12+ hours a day 7 days a week.

 

On the other hand, every time I go into a shopping mall I find the majority of staff are on their phones most of the time (watching videos or playing games), while a minority of staff seem to be busy working most of the day.

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I am not surprised... There is no union that take care of workers..Bosses mistreat them by working long hours even in hospitals, and most of the time 7 days a week. On the other hand there are too many days off as replace days for if a holiday is in the weekend and extra days as Mondays and Fridays... Less days to work means more work on normal days..Best solution is stop with the daily wages and give people a monthly salary of 14k a month for a 40 hour workweek max at least 1 day off and holidays off too.. and a yearly holiday of 15 working days.. Things will change, but now days are far too long for the common people.. Teachers in school have to work long days and weekends too.. It is just too much

They don't need a union; they need a government that regulates the length of the work week.

25 minutes ago, Fact said:

They don't need a union; they need a government that regulates the length of the work week.

But we all know that the Government is doing nothing for the people only for the army and friends and themselves... So Unions are needed to stand up.. Don't forget that many shareholders of the companies are part of the Government and changing will cost them money, so they stay away from it as far as it can, and the working class has no support. This week I met a car salesman, he got a stomach surgery last week Wednesday, but this week Tuesday he was working again, as did not get an income... Is that normal?? I don't understand that nobody stands up to put an end to it..

1 hour ago, Fact said:

They don't need a union; they need a government that regulates the length of the work week.

In the absence of which they need a union.

2 hours ago, Fact said:

They don't need a union; they need a government that regulates the length of the work week.

Whilst I get what you say there are already far too many laws and regulations that are not enforced in Thailand (and elsewhere of course!).  This'd just be another one, hence the suggestion for a union.  

 

Many years ago I was a national rep for a union in the UK; we were never about "EVERYBODY OUT!!!" like some unions were.  We were about workplace safety, workers having the right tools and training, proper processes in place to sort issues out.  We worked with the management to help them understand that a good, well motivated and rewarded workforce meant a successful company.  There was a good CEO at that time and he got it, as he saw relatively low staff turnover, decent profits and we never got into the news due to a workplace accident.  He stomped on the idiot, bullying managers when a request to do so was made.

 

Unfortunately the current CEO is an idiot bully, and that company has gone downhill, losing too many good staff and has been in the news for workplace accidents.

Longer hours yes, but sooo many public holidays all year. 

47 minutes ago, brian69 said:

Longer hours yes, but sooo many public holidays all year. 

Public holidays that only benefit civil service workers....

One thing for sure, i wouldn't like to be born Thai, specially a poor one, giving the lack of government support

is indeed lacking badly in all kinds of social help and assistance. 

Their own fault in many ways; will not stand up and fight, only worried about losing the sh+++y job they have while the Boss and Family live highly off of their sweat.     Brought up and Educated by Schools and Monks that they  'must know your place' in a Fuedal Patronage Society that doesn't give one iota of thought or care for those 'below them'.   Sad Stuff.

My kid works about 60+ hours a week. 10 hour days and often 7 days a week.  But?  He's young, he's in sales, and he makes some pretty good jack ฿฿฿฿฿.

3 hours ago, brian69 said:

Longer hours yes, but sooo many public holidays all year. 

but not in central !

I know it's 'off location' ,but my Thai wife is working on a contract as a Chef in a Thai restaurant in Hong Kong (where we both have permanent residency)

 

She works at least 10 hours+ a day, 6 days a week, often without any break during the day.

 

No union that I'm aware of, no labour law enforcement (and there are very lengthy Labour laws..).

 

But she earns BIG money (by Thai standards) yet, being married to a retired elderly man (me), and the tax threshold,   she has zero tax to pay!

 

Public holidays are mostly worked (14 a year from memory) but are credited as leave later on.

 

Days off (paid) for Typhoons of a certain category(8+) are mandated...so they love them!

 

She can take paid sick leave if she wants to...BUT, the owners pay staff a hefty monthly bonus IF you attend as required, All month. 

This bonus can amount to 20 or 25% of a month's salary!

 

Medical costs at public hospitals are minimal, and very good.

Free for public servants, scaled in various categories.

 

Payment into a Mandatory Provident Fund is mandatory!

So all full time employees must pay into this ....as do their employers.

About 1.5% monthly each into the Approved fund of their choice, as does the employer, with the option for the worker to contribute extra each month.

 

These accumulated funds can be withdrawn early for various reasons, like leaving HK and back to your 'home' country.

 

So the retired are catered for at 65. Not always looked after by family, although a lot of families share the same accommodation in one of the world's most expensive and crowded. 

 

I guess restaurant work can be a little different to a supermarket or bank etc.

They work hard but pay well

I don't believe this so-called "Report" that puts Thailand in 3rd global position for longest hours. What about Japan, India, etc? Where did they rate?

 

I've always worked longer  hours in the 'West' starting out at 7 days/week and on duty 24 HR/day.

 

I just don't buy this long Thai hours story. And as one poster said they spend a lot of time chatting and playing on their phones.

 

When I have Thais working here (e.g.) gardening, cleaning, building the spend a lot of time chatting to Mrs. And the builders well they  put a whole new meaning to drinking at work. (Lao Kao)

 

 

 

Experience may vary. My staff have 6 days of vacation a year plus 15 (of 25 public holidays) annually. That's 21 breaks per annum.

I don't work them into the ground and taking an old mother to hospital is a half day that I am pleased to sign off on. Empathy works