Feasibility of maternity leave extension to 180 days in Thailand Nisachol Cetthakrikul , B.Sc, M.Sc. International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Thailand 26th March 2014

OUTLINE Background and objective Methods Findings Conclusion and policy recommendations 3 keys takeaway for policy advocacy

Background WHO recommends 6 months EBF, According to Thai labour laws, females in the formal sector have their rights to take 90 days maternity leave, The resolution of the 3rd National Health Assembly in Thailand in 2010, 180-days maternity leave tends to increase chance for mothers and their child being together.

EBF rate in Thailand Source: Breast feeding survey project ,IHPP, 2013

Why don’t Thai mothers breastfeed their child for 6 months? Source: Breast feeding survey project ,IHPP, 2013

OBJECTIVE To explore possibility of maternity leave extension from 90 days to 180 days

Methods Questionnaire survey Mother and families Face-to-face interview Focus group Employers Employees Government officers In-dept interview Policy makers NGOs Samples: 29 government hospitals in five regions; North, South, West, East, Central and BKK.

Conceptual Framework Low EBF rate 180 days maternity leave Employees (Mothers) Employers Laws/Policy Policy maker Government officer

Findings Why did mother return to work earlier?

Impact of maternity leave extension POSITIVE Employers They will receive loyalty from employee Increasing productivity Employees They will take a break to recover They will stay with their baby, allowing bonding between them and their child NEGATIVE Lack of manpower Profit is reduced They may be lose their job and may be not receive a bonus or promotion Their skills will reduce Employers discriminate against female labour

Recommendations from stakeholders Maternity leave extension Laws Strengthened enforcement Options for mother Tax reduction or exemption Money Government Follow up system

Recommendations from stakeholders (if we cannot achieve 180 days maternity leave) Breastfeeding policy Work place BF Corner Child care centre Education BF information Sex education Public health system Early ANC Hospital policies

Selected quotations From employer “If employees take maternity leave, other staff who work with them will have more workload” From employee “Government must guarantee income during maternity leave period” From policy makers / other stakeholders “She has to return to work so she cannot breastfeed her baby properly, but she dose not like to feed with formula as well because it is very expensive”

Conclusions There is a lack of policy support and consensus among key stakeholders regarding 180 days maternity leave extension in Thailand, Stakeholders suggest other policies such as BF corner and day-care center, longer breaking period and reduce working hour for postpartum women.

3 Key Takeaways for Policy Advocacy Effective law enforcement Financial implications on employers and employees Explore other social determinants on maternity leave in Thailand

Acknowledgement UNICEF – Thailand, National Health Commission Office (NHCO), Health Promotion Policy Research Center (HPR), Food and Nutrition Policy for Health Promotion (FHP), Thai Breastfeeding Center Foundation

THANK YOU!