UNICEF, Sweden and Partners Push for Extended Parental Leave in Thailand

UNICEF and partners called on the Royal Thai Government and employers to extend paid maternity and paternity leave in both the public and private sectors.

BANGKOK — UNICEF, the Swedish Embassy, and Global Compact Network Thailand recently hosted a conference urging Thai authorities to extend paid parental leave policies. The initiative aims to support child development during crucial early years, when infant brains form up to 1,000 new connections per second.

Thailand currently trails regional neighbors like Vietnam, the Philippines, and China in parental leave benefits. Private sector mothers receive 98 days leave (only 45 days fully paid by employers), while public sector mothers get six months. Fathers get just 15 days in public sector and no paid leave in private sector – well below international standards.

Swedish Ambassador Anna Hammargren noted that 12 Swedish companies in Thailand have already committed to providing one month of parental leave, demonstrating the policy’s business benefits.

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“Expanding paid parental leave in Thailand is not just a matter of employee benefits; it’s a strategic investment in the nation’s future, impacting child health, parental well-being, economic growth, gender equality, and overall social progress” said Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Thailand.

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In addition to longer paid parental leave, UNICEF urges the Government and businesses to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to family-friendly policies, aligned with the recent Marriage Equality Act and inclusive of adopted children.

Paid leave should be complemented by other measures such as breastfeeding support, flexible work arrangements, access to affordable and quality childcare, and child benefits or grants. All of these policies help children and families thrive, while also leading to substantial benefits such as much needed human capital development for businesses and society as a whole.

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