Government Reiterates Labor Day Rights: Employees Entitled to Day Off with Regular Pay
Workers are entitled to paid time off on May 1 Labor Day, with employers required to pay at least triple hourly wages if work is mandatory, or arrange alternative compensation days for essential services like hospitals and hotels.
The government reiterates that on Labor Day, employees have the right to take a paid day off with regular wages, while continuous operations can arrange alternative compensation days or substitute holiday pay to ensure fair treatment for workers.
On May 1, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Peresivivatana addressed National Labor Day on May 1, stating that Labor Day is a legal holiday where employees are entitled to receive wages equivalent to a regular working day to protect workers' rights and ensure fair labor standards.
If employees must work on National Labor Day, employers must pay at least 1 times the regular wage rate for holiday work. For overtime, employers must pay at least 3 times the hourly wage rate as stipulated by law. If it coincides with the regular weekly day off, the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare requires employers to arrange a compensation day on the following working day so employees receive their full legal entitlements.
Deputy Spokesperson Lalida noted that for businesses that cannot cease operations—such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or transportation services—employers may negotiate with employees to arrange compensation days on alternative dates or provide substitute holiday pay as appropriate.
The government prioritizes continuous labor protection, upgrading human capital and improving living standards for all citizens in a sustainable manner, ensuring workers receive fair treatment and appropriate protections. The government emphasizes that all employers must comply with these requirements strictly, with workers' interests as the primary concern.
