In Thailand, any employee — regardless of nationality — who is a victim of unfair dismissal can file a claim with the Labour Court. The legal compensation depends on the length of service (ranging from 30 to 400 days of salary). The time limit for action is generally 1 year from the date of dismissal.
What Thai Law Says About Dismissal
Thailand regulates labor relations primarily through the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998), amended in 2019 and 2024. This law applies to all employees working in Thailand, including foreigners holding a work permit.
A dismissal is considered unfair when it is not based on a just and serious cause: gross misconduct, actual redundancy, or duly verified incapacity. Otherwise, the employer may face significant financial penalties.
Legal Compensation for Unfair Dismissal
Thai law provides for two types of cumulative compensation:
- Severance Pay: mandatory after 120 days of service, calculated according to a progressive scale:
| Length of Service | Compensation |
|---|---|
| 120 days to 1 year | 30 days of salary |
| 1 to 3 years | 90 days of salary |
| 3 to 6 years | 180 days of salary |
| 6 to 10 years | 240 days of salary |
| 10 to 20 years | 300 days of salary |
| More than 20 years | 400 days of salary |
- Damages for Unfair Dismissal: the court may award additional compensation if the dismissal is deemed unfair, taking into account length of service, age, and the harm suffered.
💡 Good to Know
Since the 2019 amendment, employees with over 20 years of service are entitled to a severance pay of 400 days of salary — a strengthened protection that applies to many long-term expatriates in Thailand.
How to File a Claim with the Labour Court in Thailand
The process involves several steps:
- Step 1 — Attempt at Conciliation: first, file a complaint with the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW). A mediator will attempt to reach an amicable agreement within 5 working days.
- Step 2 — Filing with the Labour Court: if no agreement is reached, you can file a claim with the competent Labour Court (Bangkok or provincial). The process is relatively accessible and quick compared to civil courts.
- Step 3 — Hearing and Judgment: the court typically rules within 3 to 6 months. Legal fees are modest in Thailand for labor disputes.
⚠️ Attention
The statute of limitations for filing a claim with the Labour Court in Thailand is generally 1 year from the date of dismissal for compensation claims. Don’t delay: gather your contract, pay slips, and any written correspondence as soon as you receive your dismissal letter.
Practical Tips for Defending Your Rights
- Keep all documents: employment contract, amendments, emails, dismissal letters.
- Check that your employer has provided you with a notice period or compensation for notice.
- Consult your embassy for a list of local lawyers specializing in Thai labor law.
- Engage a local lawyer who is fluent in both Thai law and your language, as proceedings are conducted in Thai.
✅ Practical Advice
Youssef (a Moroccan expatriate in Bangkok) and Marie-Eve (a Quebecer working in Chiang Mai) both won their cases in the Labour Court after gathering their written evidence and consulting a local lawyer within days of their dismissal. Acting quickly is crucial.
For more information on the general framework of rights for foreign employees, check out our reference article: Labour Law in Thailand 2026.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations vary by country and are subject to change. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.