Employee Rights Upon Termination in Thailand

Losing your job is stressful — and if you're working in Thailand, you may not be sure what you're actually entitled to. Thai labour law gives employees real protection when they are dismissed, whether you are Thai or a foreign national. Here is a plain-language overview of your main rights when your employment ends.

Advance Notice (or Payment in Lieu)
If you are dismissed without serious cause, your employer must generally give advance notice — usually one pay period ahead — or pay you in lieu of that notice. This is separate from, and on top of, any severance you are owed.

Severance Pay
Employees dismissed without serious cause are entitled to severance pay, and the amount rises with length of service. Under the Labour Protection Act, the statutory minimums are broadly:

120 days to under 1 year — 30 days' wages
1 to under 3 years — 90 days' wages
3 to under 6 years — 180 days' wages
6 to under 10 years — 240 days' wages
10 to under 20 years — 300 days' wages
20 years or more — 400 days' wages
Severance is based on your latest wage rate, and "wages" can include more than base salary alone.

When Severance May Not Apply
An employer can dismiss without severance only in limited situations set out by law — for example, serious dishonesty, intentionally causing harm to the employer, or a serious breach of work rules after a written warning. Employers sometimes rely on these grounds incorrectly, so it's worth checking whether a dismissal genuinely qualifies.

Unfair Dismissal
Even where the formalities are followed, a dismissal can still be challenged as unfair if there was no fair or reasonable ground for it. The Labour Court can order compensation, and in some cases reinstatement.

Other Entitlements
Depending on your contract, you may also be owed payment for unused annual leave, outstanding wages, and other agreed benefits.

What to Do If You've Been Dismissed
Keep your employment contract, payslips, and any termination letter. Don't sign a resignation or settlement document under pressure before you understand what you're giving up. If something doesn't seem right, get advice quickly — there are time limits for bringing a claim.

If you've been dismissed and aren't sure your rights were respected, our team can review your situation and explain your options.