Feasibility of the Extension of Paid Maternity Leave from 90 Days to 180 Days in Thailand (ความเป็นไปได้ในการขยายวันลาคลอดจาก 90 วันเป็น 180 วันในกลุ่มหญิงวัยทำงานในประเทศไทย)

Thai female employees have rights to take a maternity leave for 90 days according to the Labour  Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) and Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1990) although the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggested that female employees should be entitled to a period of maternity leave at least for 14 weeks. Some studies showed that the longer period of maternity leave taken by mothers relates to the longer period of breastfeeding. The objectives of this study are to explore the feasibility of the extension of paid maternity leave from 90 days to 180 days, and also identify appropriate polices for supporting working woman to continue breastfeed. This is a cross-sectional study collecting data using face-to-face questionnaire survey, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion. The results showed that a number of female employees did not take a maternity leave for 90 days because of financial problem. Moreover, the extension of maternity leave from 90 days to 180 days may affect to the employers in terms of manpower shortage, and to the employees in terms of inadequate incomes. The suggestions from focus group on the extension of maternity leave are Thailand should have a clear labour law and serious law enforcement. Furthermore, there should be other measures that provide some additional incentives or several flexible options for employers and employees. Additionally, the breastfeeding-friendly environment should be provided in the workplaces including “breastfeeding corner”, “child care center”, longer periods of break time for breast pump, and reduction of work hours for breastfeeding mother. To achieve these recommendations, the multi-stakeholders should work closely to establish the measures to educate and support the employees as well as the legal and social measures to convince the employers. Key words: maternity leave, breastfeeding, breastfeeding corner, female labour