The government has expanded the provision of paternity leave, offering male government employees 15 days of paid leave following the birth of their child.
This move is an extension of an initiative aimed at improving the welfare of governmental staff members.
This latest adjustment comes as part of a fresh announcement from the Government Employees Executive Committee concerning benefits for government personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed the signing of the declaration on Monday.
Historically, the section concerning maternity leave in the older version of the directive, issued in 2011, included the provisions for paternity leave.
This previous iteration allowed for a 98-day maternity leave and a 15-day paternity leave, with full pay for both genders, but limited these rights to official government officers.
The extended maternity leave of 90 days was already available to female government staff members.
Wissanu expressed that the revised regulation aims to establish an equitable environment for governmental employees working under various government agencies, even those not privy to the extra advantages typically enjoyed by government officials.
These government workers perform tasks similar to those of government officials but aren’t required to clear a national government exam.
They also don’t receive a pension after retirement. The introduction of this category of government employees, some on limited contracts, was an effort by the government to minimize expenses.
As per the new announcement, male employees interested in utilizing the 15-day paternity leave must inform their supervisor within a month following the child’s birth.
It’s within the authority of supervisors to request proof from the employees availing the leave.
If an employee wishes to take leave after the child is older than 30 days, they may do so without pay for 15 days, unless their supervisor endorses the leave with full pay.
