Thailand Sets 12-Hour Workday Cap For Film Industry
Thailand's labor ministry will cap daily film and TV production workdays at 12 hours and launch social security improvements for entertainment workers, who currently often work over 16 hours with minimal protections.
Labor Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat announced a major overhaul of entertainment industry labor protections on July 3, 2026, following collaborative discussions with the Thai Directors Association, Thai Actors Association, and media production networks. The creative media industry has undergone significant structural changes due to foreign investment and platform expansion, creating complex and diverse employment models that require updated worker protections.
The minister outlined two key initiatives. First, the government will launch upskilling and reskilling programs through the Department of Skill Development, offering professional certification recognized both domestically and internationally to improve employment prospects and raise worker incomes. Second, the ministry will address excessive working hours by establishing a working committee with industry representatives to draft regulations capping daily workdays at approximately 12 hours—currently, crew members, actors, lighting technicians, set designers, and support staff often work over 16 hours daily, creating health and safety risks.
Although many entertainment workers are freelancers, the ministry believes all deserve proper welfare and social security benefits. The government is studying ways to improve social insurance systems for this workforce, including healthcare, unemployment protection, and retirement security. The ministry is also promoting contract literacy among industry professionals, as many disputes stem from informal agreements and wage theft. Legal experts will conduct seminars on contract negotiations, worker rights, and legal protections.
While famous actors may face fewer vulnerabilities, supporting actors and crew members lack sufficient job security protections. Labor Minister Chulaphan emphasized commitment to concrete measures that elevate standards across Thailand's entire entertainment industry.
Chusakiat Saktiveerakul, president of the Thai Directors Association, confirmed the organization regularly receives complaints about wage non-payment, overtime issues, and workers unaware of their contractual rights. Small-crew members owed thousands of baht—critical to their livelihoods—have been particularly affected. He viewed this collaboration as a crucial starting point for improving entertainment workers' quality of life.
