LEGAL MEASURES TO PROTECT ELDERLY WORKERS IN THAILAND

Abstract

This article aimed to: 1) study the problems related to the employment of older workers in Thailand; 2) analyze and compare Thai and international laws regarding the employment of older workers; and 3) determine legal measures for the protection of older workers in Thailand. The research employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 400 private-sector workers aged 50 years and over. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.89. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and standard deviation.

In addition, qualitative research was conducted with 16 key informants from labor-related organizations. The research instrument used was an in-depth interview guide, and the data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research results were as follows: 1. The problems facing the employment of older workers in Thailand are as follows: 1) Employment in the private sector ends when older workers reach the age of 55. 2) Employers are more likely to refuse to hire older workers than younger workers. 3) Older workers are unable to negotiate wages or other compensation. 4)There is a lack of supervisory agencies and policies encouraging employers to hire older workers. 5) There is no specific law protecting older workers.
2. A comparison of Thailand’s labor protection laws with those of other countries reveals that Thailand does not yet have laws specifically protecting older workers, whereas Japan and Singapore do. 3.Legal measures to protect older workers should include:
1) extending the retirement age in the private sector from 55 to 60 years; 2) establishing appropriate compensation and job descriptions for older workers; 3) implementing
a national policy to promote the employment of older workers; and 4) enacting specific legislation to protect older workers in the same manner as other groups, such as children, women, and persons with disabilities.