EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES

Labour Disputes & Employment Claims in Thailand

English-language advice for foreign employees and for employers on dismissal, severance, unpaid wages and complaints to the labour authorities.

Employees and employers

Choose the right route before time runs out

Thai labour law protects employees through minimum standards on wages, working hours, leave and severance pay, and disputes can be taken to the labour authorities or to the Labour Court. These rules apply to many foreign workers as well, and employers carry their own risks if an employee is dismissed or a contract is ended incorrectly. Walailak Law Firm reviews the contract, the evidence and what has already been filed, explains the options in English, and acts for either the worker or the employer. Where a complaint to the labour department has stalled, we look at whether to push it, change route or take the claim to court.

When clients contact us

Unpaid wages, overtime or bonuses
Dismissal without notice or severance, or a termination you want to challenge
A complaint to the labour department that has had no response
An employer facing a claim from a current or former employee
A dispute that also affects a work permit or a foreign employee's visa

Scope of advice

What we cover

We advise on the claim itself and on the route that suits your goal.

Wages and overtime

Unpaid wages, overtime, holiday pay and bonuses, and what the contract and records show.

Termination and notice

Whether a termination was lawful and what notice or compensation applies.

Severance pay

Severance is generally based on length of service and applies in many dismissals, with exceptions for certain serious misconduct.

Labour department complaints

Preparing a complaint to the labour protection officer and following it up, including when there has been no response.

Labour Court claims

Filing, evidence and hearings. The court process is designed to be accessible but still needs careful preparation.

Advice for employers

Employment contracts, disciplinary steps and dismissals handled correctly, and responding to claims.

Choosing the route

The right route depends on the facts

A labour department complaint is quicker and cheaper but may not settle a contested case. A court claim gives a binding result but takes longer. We explain which route fits your goal, the evidence you need and what to do while you wait for a response.

What we gather first

The employment contract, payslips and records of hours and payments
Messages, notices and any termination letter
Your work permit and visa status, which can limit your options
What has already been filed and any replies
Your goal: payment, reinstatement or a negotiated exit

Support in stages

Choose the stages you need

Case review: Documents and a written view of your position and options.
Demand letter or negotiation: A formal demand and talks with the other side.
Labour department complaint: Preparing and following up the complaint.
Labour Court claim: Filing and running the claim if the matter is not resolved.
Work permit follow-up: Dealing with the work permit and visa consequences of the dispute.

Each stage has its own scope, agreed with you in writing. You can stop after any stage.

Discuss a matter confidentially

Frequently asked questions

Generally yes, if they work in Thailand. Whether a particular right applies depends on the contract, the type of work and the facts.

We review what was filed and the evidence, follow up with the officer, and advise whether to escalate or take the claim to the Labour Court.

Severance is generally based on length of service and applies to many dismissals, with exceptions for certain serious misconduct. We check your contract and the reason for termination.

Yes. We advise on employment contracts, lawful termination and defending claims.

Time limits apply to employment claims and can be short, so contact us as soon as possible and keep all your documents.