The Labour Ministry has reminded employers that domestic workers have the right to a break every eight hours and 98 days of maternity leave, among others.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday the ministry was aware of the "importance of informal workers" -- the largest worker group at 20 million members, a driving force in Thailand's economy.
The ministry, therefore, looked to improve accessibility to basic work rights, social security principles and workplace safety, especially for domestic workers, he said.
As a result, a push to expand the coverage of benefits was approved by the cabinet on Monday and published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, he said.
According to new regulations, the daily working hours of domestic workers must not exceed eight per day and must include a minimum one-hour break.
The right to annual leave must be provided, including for personal leave and 98 days of maternity leave with 45 of them paid.
Employers are prohibited from compelling pregnant employees to work overtime or between 10pm and 6am. Termination of employment due to pregnancy is also prohibited.
In addition, employers must inform the authorities when employing minors. Minors are also entitled to a training course with 30 paid days.
Deducting wages during holidays is prohibited, Mr Phiphat said, adding that employees must be paid the minimum wage or higher.
Domestic workers include cleaners, drivers, cooks and caregivers, he said.