Thailand urged to build on domestic worker reforms as convention marks 15 years

The convention, adopted in June 2011 at the International Labour Conference in Switzerland, was a landmark moment for millions of domestic workers around the world.

Thailand has made significant progress in strengthening protections for domestic workers, though important gaps remain as the world marks the 15th anniversary of the International Labour Organization's Domestic Workers Convention, according to Xiaoyan Qian, the ILO Country Director for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR.

The convention, adopted in June 2011 at the International Labour Conference in Switzerland, was a landmark moment for millions of domestic workers around the world. It formally recognised domestic workers as workers entitled to the same fundamental rights and protections as those in other sectors, helping drive legal reforms in many countries over the past decade and a half.

Domestic workers remain a vital part of Thailand's economy and social fabric, providing childcare, elder care, household support, cooking, cleaning, and other essential services that allow families and businesses to function. Women make up the vast majority of the workforce, while migrant workers also play a significant role in meeting growing demand.

Thailand's 2024 reforms brought stronger labour protections

A major milestone came in April 2024 when Thailand introduced Ministerial Regulation No. 15, significantly improving labour protections for domestic workers. The reform brought working conditions much closer to those enjoyed by workers in other sectors. Domestic workers are now entitled to minimum wages, eight-hour workdays, an additional daily rest break, and maternity protections that include 120 days of maternity leave and safeguards against dismissal due to pregnancy. The changes were widely seen as one of the most important advances for domestic workers' rights in Thailand in recent years, bringing many principles of the Domestic Workers Convention into national law.

Social security remains a key challenge

Despite these improvements, domestic workers still face important gaps in protection. One of the most significant issues is the absence of mandatory social security coverage, leaving many workers and their families without adequate financial protection in cases of illness, disability, old age, or death.

Awareness also remains a challenge. Many employers and workers are still unfamiliar with the rights and responsibilities established under the new regulations, making effective implementation an ongoing priority. The issue is becoming increasingly urgent as Thailand's ageing population drives rising demand for care services. According to ILO estimates, the country will require at least 70 percent more at-home caregivers for older people by 2037. Much of this workforce is expected to come from neighbouring countries as fewer Thai nationals enter domestic care occupations.

Ratification seen as the next step

The Thai government has already begun strengthening enforcement efforts through labour inspector training programmes and compliance initiatives developed with ILO support. Worker representation is also expanding through organisations such as the Network of Domestic Workers in Thailand, which has more than 1,000 members.

Qian said extending social security coverage would address one of the remaining gaps in Thailand's domestic worker protections. Ratifying the Domestic Workers Convention would further reinforce the reforms already introduced, place Thailand's commitments on the international record, and demonstrate long-term support for a workforce that provides essential care and household services across the country.

As demand for domestic work continues to grow, the focus is increasingly shifting from legislative reform to ensuring workers receive the protections and benefits that existing laws promise.