In Thailand, freedom of association cannot be exercised by categories of workers
such as public servants; workers engaged in domestic work (as they must take a status of
employee according to the Labour Protection Act B.E 2541); people under 15 years of age
(whose employment is prohibited by law); and workers in the informal economy.
Indeed, the Labour Relations Act B.E. 2518 does not apply to public servants due to
the difference in employment conditions with employees in the private sector. The
definition of a “trade union” under this Act does not include associations of public
servants. However, they have their own organization, the Civil Service Association of
Thailand.