Cabinet Approves Four Labor Laws Protecting Seafarers, Homeworkers, and Equal Rights

The Cabinet has approved four labor laws and standards to raise worker protections for seafarers, homeworkers, and state enterprise employees in same-sex marriages. The new measures take effect retroactively from August 18, 2026, when the equal marriage law came into force.

Labor Minister Julphand Amorwiwattana announced that the Cabinet endorsed two bills and related labor guidelines to close legal gaps and extend protections across diverse worker groups, including vessel crew, homeworkers, and same-sex spouse employees of state enterprises. The reforms represent a major step in developing welfare systems and labor standards suited to modern employment models, organized into three main areas.

First, the amendments to the Maritime Labor Act will require employers to directly enroll seafarers into the social security and workers' compensation systems, granting them seven categories of benefits matching land-based workers and protecting them through the injury compensation fund. The law also explicitly prohibits vessel owners from employing crew members under 18 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., to protect children and youth health and wellbeing, except for necessary training or duties required by law, aligning with the International Labour Organization's 2006 Maritime Labour Convention.

Second, amendments to the Homeworker Protection Act will expand coverage to digital-era work models such as online job platforms and extend protections across industrial, commercial, agricultural, and service sectors. The law sets a minimum working age of 15 and bans employers from using workers under 18 or pregnant women in hazardous work; hiring children under 15 carries penalties of up to two years imprisonment or fines of 400,000 to 800,000 baht. The law also establishes fair wage standards and imposes a 15 percent annual penalty interest if employers withhold wages or delay return of security deposits.

Third, a new declaration from the State Enterprise Labor Relations Committee will align state enterprise employee spousal benefits with equal marriage principles, ensuring all legally married spouses of any gender receive equal medical coverage, compensation, and funeral benefits. An estimated 12,000 people are expected to benefit from expanded medical coverage rights.

"Our goal is to close every legal gap and raise welfare for all worker groups, ensuring equal rights and protecting vulnerable populations including youth, freelancers, and spouses of all genders," said Julphand. "This is a crucial step for Thai society to uphold human dignity."

Deputy Labor Ministry Permanent Secretary Wanpong Kachruk clarified that maritime labor provisions apply to transport vessels rather than fishing vessels, benefiting crew members significantly. Regarding homeworker protections, the law will address three major areas and align with international standards.