Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin said that though maternity leave was extended from 90 days to 98 days in 2019, there are still some issues that need to be addressed.

Currently, employers have a choice when it comes to paying wages during maternity leave. The Social Security Fund pays 50 per cent of a woman’s wages during maternity leave, but no more than Bt15,000.

The minister said making it mandatory for employers to pay will take a while, but he will rush the proposal to Cabinet for approval.

Payment during maternity leave to become mandatory soon

Once the Social Security Act’s Article 67 is amended, it will become mandatory for employers to pay new mothers 50 per cent of their wages for the 98-day maternity leave.