Thai workers march on Govt House for fair pay, jobs on Labour day
Hundreds of Thai workers marched to Government House on Labour Day to demand fair wages, job security and stronger social protections amid rising living costs and employment instability.
BANGKOK — On May 1, 2026, hundreds of workers marched to Government House to demand fair wages, job security and stronger social protections as Thailand observed National Labour Day.
From 8:00 to 11:30, labour groups led by the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation and the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation gathered at Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road before heading to Government House Gate 5 to submit their demands.
Under the banner "Workers unite against global capitalism, build a new democratic society," organisers highlighted rising living costs, high energy prices and job insecurity. Key demands included fair wages, stable employment and expanded social security rights.
By 8:30, approximately 400 participants had assembled despite sweltering conditions, including workers, seniors, members of the public, youth activists, informal sector networks, state enterprise unions and motorcycle taxi operators.
Loudspeaker trucks and banners from labour groups and allied organisations accompanied the march. Demonstrators carried placards and performed symbolic actions calling for measures including an asbestos ban, ratification of ILO Conventions 87 and 98, elimination of precarious employment, equal rights for all workers, and reforms to state energy assets.
The demonstration was part of International Workers' Day events globally, with organisers calling on the government to address structural problems and enhance long-term living standards for Thai workers.
