Government Strengthens Protections for Film and Entertainment Workers
Thailand's Labor Ministry is strengthening protections for film and entertainment workers, including freelancers, by establishing employment standards, skills development programs, and fair wage practices following reports of unpaid wages a
The government is accelerating measures to protect creative workers in Thailand's film and entertainment industry by establishing new standards for crew members and freelancers, while upgrading welfare provisions across the sector.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Phatdara Rusmit Thongsalueykron stated on July 5 that the Labor Ministry is pushing forward protections for creative workers in the film and entertainment industry. The move follows discoveries that many workers face issues including prolonged work without contracts, unpaid agreed wages, and inadequate insurance and benefits—particularly affecting independent and freelance workers, whose proportion is increasing as the industry expands.
The spokesman said the Labor Ministry is working with the Thai Film Directors Association, the Thai Actors Association, and the creative media industry sector to upgrade employment standards and comprehensive labor protections.
Immediate measures include skills development programs (upskilling and reskilling) through the Department of Skill Development, with professional certification issued to enhance employment opportunities domestically and internationally, as well as increase workers' income.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that the Labor Ministry is promoting fair employment practices through education on labor rights and applicable laws, particularly regarding written employment contracts, wage protection, fraud prevention, and protection procedures for workplace accidents or injuries, so workers can properly exercise their rights.
Regarding workplace safety, the Labor Ministry is establishing a task force with industry representatives to study appropriate working hour standards. This follows feedback that many crew members work continuously over 16 hours daily, affecting health and safety. The ministry will review and adjust relevant laws and measures to align with current industry practices.
The government is also studying improvements to benefits for independent and freelance workers to provide more comprehensive coverage, including healthcare, unemployment protection, and income security after retirement, ensuring all creative workers receive appropriate protections.
