Bangkok: Labor movements in Thailand marked National Labor Day with a massive gathering of 27 organizations, including 26 labor unions and one state enterprise, to press the government with an eight-point demand list. The demands focused on establishing a risk insurance fund and enhancing welfare benefits for workers.
According to Thai News Agency, the event commenced with a march from the Makkhawan Bridge area to the City Hall plaza in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration building. Workers, accompanied by a sound truck and signs highlighting their demands, urged the government to address critical wage and welfare issues. Among their key demands were setting a wage rate equivalent to a food allowance and securing a 10% salary increase for state enterprise employees, as civil servant salaries have reportedly surpassed those of government officials.
The demands were formally received by Mr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who oversees the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Yotsanun addressed the workers, acknowledging their concerns.
Mr. Tosaporn Koonsri, chairman of the 2026 National Labor Day organizing committee, emphasized that the demands are a continuation of efforts from previous years, aiming for tangible improvements in the security and welfare of workers. Proposals included the creation of a risk insurance fund to protect employees from employer insolvencies, enhancement of maternity benefits, and an extension of the age limit for social security enrollment. Additionally, there were calls to exempt income tax on severance payments and to push for the ratification of longstanding International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Further elaborating on the economic context, Mr. Tosaporn highlighted the stagnant minimum wage and rising living costs, stressing the need for policies that go beyond supporting capitalists to also encourage electric vehicle production and support from stakeholders.
Ms. Apsorn Krisanasamit, President of the State Enterprise Workers' Federation of Thailand (SEWF), echoed the demands for fair benefits, workplace safety, and job security for state enterprise workers. She advocated for social security system reforms to ensure standardized contributions and benefits for all workers, alongside a salary increase reflecting the cost of living.
Mr. Yotsanan assured that the government would consider the eight demands and work with employers to find viable solutions. He confirmed ongoing efforts to address energy and electricity cost concerns and pledged to consider all proposals, including those displayed on protest banners.
On Labor Day 2026, Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, underscored the government's commitment to uplifting all worker groups to participate in a high-value economy. The Ministry of Labour is implementing five urgent strategies aimed at building a robust protective framework and facilitating an economic upgrade for workers within the next four years.