1. 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

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

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. 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.

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

9. Findings
Why did mother return to work earlier?

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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”

14. 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.

15. 3 Key Takeaways for Policy Advocacy
Effective law enforcement
Financial implications on employers and employees
Explore other social determinants on maternity leave in Thailand

16. 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

17. THANK YOU!