Thai National Labor Day

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Special Report: Labor Day

Labor Day recognizes and honors labor workers and their contributions to the country. As labor workers are main engines that propel the national economy and drive growth, the government has appointed 1 May of every year to be the Thai National Labor Day.

The Thai National Labor Day originated from the government’s establishment of the Labor Administration in 1932. The Labor Administration aims to increase employment, control the working environment of labors and reinforce employer-employee relations.

The Labor Administration at present operates under the supervision of the Labor Department of the Ministry of Interior with the main role to facilitate job search, reduce unemployment and disseminate information about job search. The administration acts as a consultant, helping the public and youth find jobs that are appropriate matches for their skills. It also supports workers’ skill development and provides them with channels to pursue higher education while protecting labor rights and welfare of employees, such as working hours, holidays and other welfares.

As the labor industry expanded, allowing more intricate issues and matters, a labor division was established in 1934 to protect the welfare and study the livelihood of labors. In 1956, the increased activities in the division led to the imposition of the first legislative act to control labor allegation and the establishment of the Labor Department in the same year.

Consequentially, labor unions were formed, enabling workers to have a voice on wages, benefits, and working conditions. Labor unions represent workers and stand up for the employee’s rights. There are three main labor unions protecting the rights of labor workers in Thailand, which comprise the Employee Labor Council of Thailand, the Employee Council of Thailand and the Labor Council of Thailand.

To honor and celebrate workers’ contributions, the Thai government holds a festival of food and entertainment annually for employees and their employers with a goal to reinforce their relationships. According to incumbent Labor Minister Phaitoon Kaeothong, the National Labor Day event this year will be held along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Since the Thai National Labor Day 2010 falls on a Saturday, the following Monday, 3 May, will be a compensation holiday, allowing workers to enjoy their extended time off.

-- NNT 2010-05-01

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