Labor Layoffs Surge to 40,000 Monthly, Devastating Economy; State Urged to Control Prices
Thailand faces a labor crisis with 40,000 monthly layoffs and soaring living costs, while platform workers like ride-hailing riders see compensation plummet, prompting calls for stronger government intervention and worker protections.
On April 29, 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, the Women and Men Step Forward Foundation, along with the Child, Youth and Family Foundation, the Rangsit Area Labor Union, and the People's Health Promotion Movement, supported by the Health Promotion Fund Office, convened a national Labor Day panel discussion titled "Examining Thai Workers in Crisis: Deteriorating Quality of Life."
Jadet Chaowinwilai, advisor to the Women and Men Step Forward Foundation, stated that National Labor Day provides a platform for workers to voice workplace problems and demand solutions, appropriate welfare benefits, and remedies. He emphasized that Thailand currently faces compounded crises: economic problems, environmental crisis, global warming, and war-driven oil price increases that have cascaded into consumer price inflation, raising the cost of living. Workers are directly affected through approximately 40,000 monthly layoffs, while platform workers like riders face reduced per-trip compensation. Both groups suffer severe income loss and physical and mental health deterioration.
Voradul Tularak, an economist and labor researcher with the Platform Worker Wellbeing Development Project, noted that Thailand's economy is entering stagflation—slow growth with high inflation—compounded by unresolved structural inequality and income disparity. This leaves the nation vulnerable to increasingly severe crises. The poor and unprotected workers, particularly ride-hailing workers, suffer first and most severely. Platform workers lack labor law protections, bear rising work costs, yet labor in extreme heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and PM2.5 dust pollution. Government response has been slow and unfocused compared to South Korea and Singapore.
Voradul recommended new welfare models including rest areas and drinking water stations in urban zones, dust protection equipment, and breathable uniforms provided by platforms rather than taxpayer funds. He advocated for mandatory work stoppages during dangerous heat or pollution levels, and fair compensation mechanisms for energy costs and work risks to protect workers under intensifying crisis conditions.
Prapaporn Phonin, representing the Rider Network, stated that rider compensation has plummeted from initial rates of 60-80 baht per trip to approximately 20 baht. This forces riders to work longer hours, take more trips, and sacrifice rest, increasing traffic accident risks.
