Employee Welfare Fund (EWF) – 1 October 2025 Launch Date Now Expected to Be Postponed by Approximate



Employee Welfare Fund (EWF) – Cabinet Approves One-Year Postponement from 1 October 2025

The Thai Cabinet has approved a one-year postponement of the Employee Welfare Fund (EWF), which was originally scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2025. The new effective date is now expected to begin from 1 October 2026 (tentative), subject to further formal confirmation.
The postponement provides additional time for employers and employees to prepare for the new statutory contributions. However, organizations are strongly advised to begin readiness planning early, as the requirements for registration, contributions, and compliance will remain unchanged once the law is enforced.

Key Legislative Details
  • EWF is a mandatory fund under the Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998). Employers with 10 or more employees must register for the EWF (unless exempt).
  • The Cabinet has approved a one-year postponement of the EWF collection. Although originally set for 1 October 2025, the official implementation will now begin in October 2026 (tentatively). The Cabinet made this postponement decision in August 2025, subject to further formal announcement.
  • Contributions are initially 0.25% for both employer and employee, increasing to 0.50% from October 2030.
  • The EWF will be managed by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare and governed by a board comprising government, employer, and employee representatives.
  • Upon employment termination or death, employees or their beneficiaries can withdraw the full fund balance.
The Thai government has introduced the Employee Welfare Fund (EWF), as part of its commitment to enhancing employee welfare and financial security. This regulation requires both employers and employees to contribute to a central fund designed to support employees in cases of employment termination, death, or legal declaration of disappearance.

Read more