Talent Wiki - Thailand
Your quick guide on talent and labor compliance norms in Thailand
Capital
Bangkok
Currency
Thailand Baht (THB)
Languages
Thai (Official)
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
GDP per Capita
$8,273.93
Employer Tax
5%
Talent Overview
Thailand is known for its temples, culture, religion, and scenic beauty. Over the years, the country has boosted its economic development with tourism and industrialization. Out of 39 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand holds the 13th position for overall economic growth.
Major economic hubs:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket
Skills in demand:
Skilled Trades, Sales Representatives, Drivers, Technicians, IT
Local Universities
The top local universities in Thailand are as follows:
Mahidol University
RANKING
Local: 1
World : 483
Chulalongkorn University
RANKING
Local: 2
World : 686
Chiang Mai University
RANKING
Local: 3
World : 870
Khon Kaen University
RANKING
Local: 4
World : 907
Prince of Songkla University
RANKING
Local: 5
World : 1040
Salary Data
The average monthly salary in Thailand is mentioned below:
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (THB) | Average Monthly Salary (USD) |
| Database Administrator | 103,000 THB | 3,122.11 USD |
| Project Manager | 117,000 THB | 3,546.48 USD |
| Business Development Manager | 155,000 THB | 4,698.32 USD |
| Accounting Manager | 144,000 THB | 4,364.89 USD |
| Developer / Programmer | 96,600 THB | 2,928.12 USD |
| Network Engineer | 83,800 THB | 2,540.13 USD |
Talent Sourcing Tips
Top Local Job Boards:
Number of LinkedIn users:
3,973,000
Top Recruitment Agencies:
EPS recruitment, Fame Placement Co. Ltd, Fischer and Partners
Employing in Thailand
It is important that employers look into the country’s employment laws and regulations when onboarding people from Thailand. Some of the policies that Thailand observes for the local employees are explained below.
Employee Contract
Employee contracts in Thailand can be oral or written. The language must be in Thai for local employees and in English for foreign workers.
Probationary Period
Thai employees are given up to 4 months of probationary period.
Public and Provincial Holidays 2023
| Date | Holiday | Type |
| 1 Jan | New Year | National Holiday |
| 2 Jan | New Year holiday (observed) | National Holiday |
| 6 Mar | Makha Bucha day | National Holiday |
| 6 Apr | Chakri day | National Holiday |
| 13 Apr | Songkran New year Thai water festival | National Holiday |
| 14 Apr | Songkran New year Thai water festival | National Holiday |
| 15 Apr | Songkran New year Thai water festival | National Holiday |
| 1 May | Labor day | National Holiday |
| 4 May | Coronation day | National Holiday |
| 3 Jun | Vishaka Bucha day/ Birthday of HM Queen Suthida | National Holiday |
| 5 Jun | Vishaka Bucha day/ Birthday of HM Queen Suthida (Observed) | National Holiday |
| 28 Jul | Birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn | National Holiday |
| 1 Aug | Asahna Bucha day | National Holiday |
| 12 Aug | Birthday of the HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother | National Holiday |
| 14 Aug | Birthday of the HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother (Observed) | National Holiday |
| 13 Oct | HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial day | National Holiday |
| 23 Oct | Chulalongkorn day | National Holiday |
| 5 Dec | National day/ King Bhumibol Birthday Comemoration day | National Holiday |
| 10 Dec | Constitution day | National Holiday |
| 12 Dec | Constitution day (observed) | National Holiday |
| 31 Dec | New Year’s eve | National Holiday |
Employee Leaves
| Type of Leave | Time Period | Mandatory |
| Annual/Earned Leave | 6 days | Yes (After One year of Completion) |
| Sick Leave | 30 days | Yes |
| Maternity Leave | 98 days | Yes |
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
The payroll cycle in Thailand is usually monthly, depending on what is stated in the contract.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage varies per region, ranging from 328 THB to 354 THB.
Bonus
13th Month Pay
The 13th-month pay is not mandatory in Thailand.
Employee Benefits
In Thailand, employees are entitled to benefits that employers indicate in employment contracts. Below are some of them:
- Workmen’s Compensation Fund
- Medical Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Old age benefit
Taxes
Employer Payroll Tax:
| Category | Contribution |
| Pension | 3% |
| Health Insurance | 1.5% |
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
Employee Payroll Tax:
| Category | Contribution |
| Pension | 3% |
| Health Insurance | 1.5% |
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
Employee Income Tax:
| Taxable Amount | Tax rate |
| 0 – 150,000 THB | Exempt |
| 150,001 to 300,000 THB | 5% |
| 300,001 to 500,000 THB | 10% |
| 500,001 to 750,000 THB | 15% |
| 750,001 to 1,000,000 THB | 20% |
| 1,000,001 to 2,000,000 THB | 25% |
| 2,000,001 to 5,000,000 THB | 30% |
| Above 5,000,000 | 35% |
VAT:
Thailand has a standard VAT of 7%.
Offboarding & Termination
Termination of the contract may be initiated by either the employer or the employee, and either party shall issue notice. However, if the employee has a fixed contract, a notice is unnecessary when the contract expires.
Thai employees under probation are given a notice period of up to 30 days. After probation, they are to observe a notice period of up to 3 months when terminating their employment.
The severance pay is based on the years of service by the employee.
| Years of Service | Severance Pay |
| 120 days to 364 days | 30 days pay |
| 1 year to 2 years and 364 days | 90 days pay |
| 3 years to 5 years and 364 days | 180 days pay |
| 6 years to 9 years and 364 days | 240 days pay |
| More than 10 years | 300 days pay |
Visa and Immigration
To legally work in Thailand, foreign employees must first acquire a Non-immigrant visa B which can be either a 90-day single entry or 1-year multiple entries. This can be extended as well as cancelled on certain conditions by the embassy. After which, a foreign employee can apply for a work permit.
