In the bustling city of Bangkok, amid the hum of daily life and the scenic beauty that Thailand offers, there is a strong call for change—a call resonating from the hearts of mothers, fathers, and advocates alike. It’s a push towards a brighter, more nurturing future for families, championed by the passionate voices at the Women and Men Progressive Foundation (WMP). Their message is clear and backed by hard data: the current maternity leave policy in Thailand doesn’t just fall short—it’s a hurdle for individual well-being and societal progress.
The spotlight shone brightly on this pressing issue during a seminar aptly titled “Expand maternity leave, improve quality of life,” where advocates laid bare the stark realities faced by parents in today’s Thailand. The crux of the matter? The existing 98-day maternity leave barely scratches the surface of the needs of a new mother and her child. It’s a period where the joy of welcoming new life is overshadowed by the looming stress of an imminent return to work.
As it stands, the dichotomy between policy and necessity is glaring. Employers cover a mere 45 days of wages, matched by the Social Security Office of Thailand, albeit capped at the seemingly arbitrary figure of 15,000 baht. Then there are the eight days—eight days where new mothers are left without any financial support. Furthermore, the meager maternity care allowance of 1,500 baht is a sum far removed from the reality of prenatal needs, a sentiment echoed by Chonticha, a factory worker who, despite her imminent delivery, joined the call for change.
Timaporn Charoensuk, secretary of the Rangsit Labour Union Group, paints a vivid picture of the dilemma facing the working-class women of Thailand. The inadequate support forces many to cut their maternity leave short, returning to work while their bodies and minds cry out for rest, and their newborns for warmth and bonding.
Even the medical community, represented by Dr. Thanyaporn Mekrungcharas, a distinguished paediatrician, cannot help but voice their concerns. The recovery from childbirth, a monumental event by any measure, extends well beyond the paltry 98 days of leave currently afforded. Moreover, the return to work in the shadow of such a life-changing event is fertile ground for postpartum depression, a condition as debilitating as it is misunderstood.
And then there’s the matter of breastfeeding—a practice internationally heralded for its health benefits for both mother and child. Current policies don’t just make it challenging—they turn it into a Herculean task. Without adequate spaces to express milk or nurse, many mothers are compelled to switch to formula far earlier than recommended, an unnecessary strain on both health and finances.
The foundation’s call to action is a bold yet thoroughly justified one: extend maternity leave to 180 days, with full pay, ensuring fathers too receive their rightful 30 days. This proposal is not born out of whimsy but aligns with both the Ministry of Public Health’s recommendations and more significantly, a draft bill by the Moving Forward Party, which already made its initial strides in Parliament.
The vision extends beyond individual well-being. As Thanyamol Sawangwong from WMP and a study by the Thailand Development Research Institute suggest, a more generous maternity leave policy is a crucial step in addressing the nation’s declining birth rate and the challenges of an ageing society.
Sustarum Thammaboosadee, a revered professor at Thammasat University, frames this enhancement of maternity leave as an investment—an investment with profound returns not just for families, but the societal fabric as a whole. After all, nurturing the future generation begins with supporting the mothers and fathers of today.
In the heart of Thailand’s industrial labyrinth, Chonticha continues her work, buoyed by hope. Hope that by May, the law will reflect a deeper understanding and appreciation of her journey to motherhood. As for the rest of us, we watch, wait, and advocate, for a future where policies mirror the love, warmth, and dedication of families across the land—a future where, in the words of Professor Thammaboosadee, there’s no ceiling to the quality of life.
The push for extended maternity leave is a no-brainer. It’s surprising that in 2023 we’re still fighting for basic rights like this. The health of the mother and child should be a priority.
Totally agree, Jen. The fact that parents, especially mothers, have to rush back to work worries me. It’s not just about physical health but also mental well-being.
Exactly, Mark! The stress and anxiety of returning to work can take a toll. Not to mention the impact on breastfeeding and bonding time.
But who’s going to foot the bill for all this extended leave? Small businesses could suffer. I support family health, but we need a balanced approach.
It’s an investment in society’s future. Healthier families lead to a stronger workforce in the long run. The government and businesses can work out incentives.
Why only maternity leave? Paternity leave should be extended too. Fathers play a crucial role in early child care but are often overlooked.
Absolutely agree! The article mentions a rightful 30 days for fathers, but it’s high time we normalize shared parenting responsibilities from the get-go.
This isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a family issue. Both parents should have the support to be actively involved without fear of financial repercussions.
So true, Danny. Shared parenting can also help alleviate the pressure many mothers feel when they are solely responsible for child care.
Exactly, Jen. It’s about creating a balanced home environment. Plus, it allows both parents to bond equally with their child.
Back in my day, there wasn’t such a fuss about maternity or paternity leave. Why can’t things just stay the same?
Times change, and so do our understandings of health and well-being. We need policies that reflect our current knowledge, not outdated practices.
Agreed. It’s all about progress. We’ve learned so much about child development and mental health. It’s time our policies caught up.
As an educator, I see firsthand the benefits of extended parental leave. Children with parents at home longer show better social and emotional development.
While I understand the benefits, we must also consider the economic implications. Companies, especially SMEs, may struggle with the financial burden of extended paid leave.
True, but investing in families can lead to a more productive and stable workforce. It’s about finding the right balance and maybe even government assistance for smaller businesses.