The session, chaired by Deputy Senate Speaker Boonsong Noisophon, saw 125 senators vote in favour, with five abstentions, following a detailed article-by-article review of the bill already endorsed by the House of Representatives, reports the Bangkok Post.
Under the approved provisions, women will now be entitled to up to 120 days of maternity leave, with wages paid at 50% of their normal daily rate during leave days.
In addition, they may take an extra 15 consecutive days’ leave to care for a newborn child if the infant suffers from a medical condition, complications, abnormalities, or disabilities.
The bill also extends rights to spouses who are entitled to 15 days of paid leave to assist mums after childbirth, which can be taken within 90 days of the child’s birth. During this period, employees will receive full wages.
Following Senate approval, the secretariat of the Senate will proceed with the necessary steps for promulgation. The new law will take effect 30 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette.
On Aug 26, the Women Human Rights Defenders Movement of Thailand petitioned the House’s ad hoc committee reviewing the amendments and called for changes to Section 41/1, which restricts parental and maternity leave to legally registered spouses.
Activists urged that the law be expanded to cover life partners, caregivers, or guardians, in line with social realities and Thailand’s international human rights obligations under the International Labour Organization, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.