General information only, not advice on a specific case. Check the version of the law in force.
Official sources
Legal service for foreign clients
Migrant Worker Rights and Employer Disputes in Thailand
Wages, severance, social security and changing employers — rights checked against each worker's document status.
Quick answer
Migrant workers in Thailand are covered by the Labour Protection Act — minimum wage, overtime and statutory severance apply regardless of nationality. Social security, workmen's compensation and changing employers depend on document status and statutory conditions. We review the facts before advising on a complaint or claim.
Contact our team for a quotation — Contact our team for a quotation; government fees are billed separately. · Timeframe stated in the quotation
Who this is for
- Workers paid below minimum wage or owed back pay
- Workers dismissed without statutory severance
- Workers whose employer holds their passport or work permit
- Employers who want to hire migrant workers lawfully
What you receive
- Review of document status, employment contract and pay evidence
- Calculation of amounts that may be claimable on the facts
- Filing with a labour inspector or the Labour Court
- Coordination with interpreters and relevant agencies
Documents to prepare
- Passport or identity document (copy)
- Work permit and MOU documents, if any
- Contract, payslips or chat messages about pay
- Dismissal letter or proof of the last working day
How it works
3-step process
- 1
Review the facts
We check document status, length of service and pay evidence to identify the rights that actually apply.
- 2
Choose the route
We compare a labour-inspector complaint with a Labour Court claim, which carries no court filing fee.
- 3
Act and follow up
We file, arrange interpreters and report progress without guaranteeing outcome or timing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do migrant workers get the same minimum wage?
Yes. Minimum-wage notifications apply to all employees regardless of nationality; rates vary by province and the notification in force at the time must be checked.
Can the employer keep my passport?
Section 131 of the Royal Ordinance on the Management of Foreign Workers B.E. 2560 penalises anyone who seizes a foreign worker's work permit or identity documents. If the worker agrees to let someone keep them, that person must give the worker access whenever asked. Some cases may also engage anti-trafficking law, so keep evidence and seek advice before acting.
Can I change employer?
Only in the circumstances and on the conditions set by law and Department of Employment notifications, with notice within the set period. The result depends on the entry channel and the reason for the change.
Can I claim wages without valid documents?
The right to pay for work already done does not disappear because of document status, but filing may affect immigration status, so the risk must be assessed case by case.
Related services
Labor Lawyer — Termination, Severance, Labor Court
Both employer- and employee-side, at all Labor Courts nationwide.
Thailand Work Permit for Foreign Employees and Directors
A Non-B visa alone is not enough — the work permit must be issued before work begins. We handle everything from company thresholds to booklet collection.
Social Security and Workmen's Compensation — Recovering Benefits That Were Refused
Appeal within the deadline, and the Labour Court remains available if the decision is not changed.
Written by: Thai Law & Accounting Services — attorneys and licensed accountants
Professional review: A lawyer must review the applicable law and facts before use in a real matter. This notice does not establish that this page has been reviewed or certified by a lawyer.
Last updated: 2026-08
Information as of August 2026. Government fees and processing times change — verify with the relevant agency before acting, or let our team verify for you.