Knowledge Article Payroll & Labor Law

Thai Labor Law on Overtime (OT) and Holiday Pay

A practical summary of key rules on overtime pay and holiday work compensation, with easy-to-understand calculation examples for employers, HR teams, and business owners.

3-Minute Read

This article explains the differences between overtime pay on regular working days, holiday overtime pay, and holiday work compensation, with calculation examples for monthly and daily employees.

For HR / Employers / SMEs Includes Practical Examples

Key Principles Employers Should Know

Calculating overtime pay and holiday work compensation correctly is essential for employers and HR departments. It helps ensure compliance with labor regulations and reduces the risk of payroll errors.

For work that must continue without interruption, urgent work, or work that may cause business damage if stopped, employers may request employees to work overtime or work on holidays as necessary, subject to employee consent and applicable labor law principles.

Important Note: If overtime work exceeds 2 hours, employers should provide employees with a rest period of at least 20 minutes, except for continuous work or emergency work that cannot be interrupted.

Quick Summary

  • Overtime on regular working days must be paid at no less than 1.5 times the hourly wage.
  • Overtime on holidays must be paid at no less than 3 times the hourly wage.
  • Holiday work during normal working hours: monthly employees receive an additional 1x, while daily employees receive 2x.

1) Overtime Pay on Regular Working Days

When an employee works beyond normal working hours, for example from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM instead of the regular 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule, the extra hours are considered overtime on a regular working day.

Employers must pay overtime compensation at no less than 1.5 times the employee’s hourly wage.

Example: Monthly Employee

Mr. A receives a salary of 10,000 THB per month and works 3 hours of overtime after regular working hours.

Formula = (Monthly Salary ÷ 30 ÷ Regular Working Hours) × 1.5 × OT Hours
Calculation = (10,000 ÷ 30 ÷ 8) × 1.5 × 3
Result: Overtime Pay = 187.50 THB

Example: Daily Employee

Mr. B receives a daily wage of 350 THB per day and works 3 hours of overtime after regular working hours.

Formula = (Daily Wage ÷ Regular Working Hours) × 1.5 × OT Hours
Calculation = (350 ÷ 8) × 1.5 × 3
Result: Overtime Pay = 196.87 THB

2) Overtime Pay on Holidays

When an employee works beyond normal working hours on a holiday, such as working from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the additional hours are considered overtime on a holiday.

Employers must pay holiday overtime compensation at no less than 3 times the employee’s hourly wage.

Examples of holidays include weekly holidays, traditional holidays, and public holidays.

Example: Monthly Employee

Mr. A receives a salary of 10,000 THB per month and works 3 hours of overtime on a holiday.

Formula = (Monthly Salary ÷ 30 ÷ Regular Working Hours) × 3 × OT Hours
Calculation = (10,000 ÷ 30 ÷ 8) × 3 × 3
Result: Holiday Overtime Pay = 375 THB

Example: Daily Employee

Mr. B receives a daily wage of 350 THB per day and works 3 hours of overtime on a holiday.

Formula = (Daily Wage ÷ Regular Working Hours) × 3 × OT Hours
Calculation = (350 ÷ 8) × 3 × 3
Result: Holiday Overtime Pay = 393.75 THB

3) Holiday Work Compensation

When an employee works on a holiday during normal working hours, such as 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the employee is entitled to holiday work compensation according to the applicable legal rate.

Case Minimum Pay Rate
Employees who are entitled to wages on holidays, such as monthly employees At least 1x
Employees who are not entitled to wages on holidays, such as daily employees At least 2x

Example: Monthly Employee

Mr. A receives a salary of 10,000 THB per month and works 8 hours on a holiday during normal working hours.

Formula = (Monthly Salary ÷ 30 ÷ Regular Working Hours) × 1 × Working Hours
Calculation = (10,000 ÷ 30 ÷ 8) × 1 × 8
Result: Holiday Work Compensation = 333.33 THB

Example: Daily Employee

Mr. B receives a daily wage of 350 THB per day and works 8 hours on a holiday during normal working hours.

Formula = (Daily Wage ÷ Regular Working Hours) × 2 × Working Hours
Calculation = (350 ÷ 8) × 2 × 8
Result: Holiday Work Compensation = 700 THB

Simple Summary of Pay Rates

Payment Type Minimum Rate
Overtime on regular working days 1.5x
Overtime on holidays 3x
Holiday work compensation for monthly employees 1x
Holiday work compensation for daily employees 2x

Recommendations for Employers and HR Teams

Incorrect overtime and holiday work calculations may affect employee relations and increase long-term labor law risks.

Businesses with multiple employees should have a reliable payroll system that supports accurate calculations for overtime, tax, and social security contributions, helping HR operations become more systematic and transparent.

Recommended Uses for This Article

  • Use as educational content to build website credibility.
  • Add internal links to your payroll outsourcing service page.
  • Share with sales teams or customer service teams when answering client questions.

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Prepared by: Aim Success Co., Ltd.
Reference: Ministry of Labour