National Labor Day
- Kawinthip Rahaeng
- May 5
- 3 min read
Every year, workers in many countries get a day off on Labor Day, which falls on May 1st. It is a public holiday to remind everyone of the importance of labor. In Thailand, in 2024, the minimum wage for Thai people will increase to 400 baht, which is considered a good sign for Thailand.
History of International Labor Day
More than 130 years ago, when the world entered the industrial era, entrepreneurs used machines alongside human labor without any clear welfare or agreements between employers and employees. Until around 1889, workers in the United States demanded a maximum working hour of 8 hours per day, as well as a review of other labor rights as appropriate, which became a rally at Haymarket Square.
The clash between workers and police resulted in injuries and deaths on both sides. The world has honored the bravery of that negotiation between the labor movement and the state by declaring May 1 of each year as International Labor Day, or May Day.
Clashes between workers and the state occur in many countries to negotiate for fair employment, including providing appropriate welfare for the health and safety of workers while working. Examples of countries that stop working on May 1 to celebrate May Day include the United States, China, Germany, Denmark, Bulgaria, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, etc.
Europeans consider May Day to be the beginning of the agricultural season. They hold ceremonies according to their beliefs to ask for good crops. In Thailand, we also have the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which is an auspicious day for agricultural cultivation.
History of Thai National Labor Day
Labor Day in Thailand was first mentioned in 1932, which was the time when Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram was the Prime Minister during the reign of King Rama VIII. The government recognized May 1 as National Labor Day in 1956 and changed the name to Labor Day in 1957. In the past, Thai industries began to expand. Laborers had more problems. Moreover, labor problems were complicated and difficult to solve easily. Therefore, in 1932, Thailand began to manage labor by allocating and developing labor, as well as protecting and taking care of labor's working conditions. This was to create a foundation and promote better relations between employers and employees. On April 20, 1956, the Labor Memorial Committee held a meeting. They agreed that May 1 should be designated as a day to commemorate Thai labor. Therefore, a letter was sent to the Prime Minister asking for May 1 to be recognized. Since then, May 1 has become National Labor Day, and later changed its name to National Labor Day
In 1957, the Labor Dispute Resolution Act was promulgated, which stipulated that employees had the right to take a day off on National Labor Day. However, this Act was only valid for 18 months before being repealed, replaced by Revolutionary Council Announcement No. 19, which gave the Ministry of Interior the authority to issue announcements on labor protection, and also designated Labor Day as a traditional holiday. However, due to the uncertainty of the political situation at that time, there were clarifications issued each year to remind employers to let their employees take a day off on May 1st. In some cases, there were requests not to celebrate the event for the sake of peace and order in the country.
Until 1974, an opportunity was given to celebrate as appropriate. The Department of Labor, which was then under the Ministry of Interior, was assigned to organize the National Labor Day celebration at Lumphini Park. The event included alms giving, knowledge exhibitions, and many other activities.
National Labor Day is not considered a public holiday, so government agencies still operate and provide services as usual on National Labor Day. Only state enterprises and private agencies will be suspended.
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