A tragic incident in Thailand has raised serious concerns about workplace conditions and employee welfare after a 30-year-old factory worker, known as May, passed away following the denial of her request for sick leave. The incident occurred in the Samut Prakan province, south of Bangkok, at an electronics manufacturing plant owned by Delta Electronics Thailand. This case has sparked widespread discussions about employee rights and work-life balance.
May had been receiving treatment for an inflamed large intestine and had previously taken medical leave from September 5 to 9, supported by a doctor’s note. During this time, she was hospitalised for four days, followed by two days of recovery at home. On September 12, May’s condition worsened, prompting her to request further sick leave. However, her supervisor denied the request and instructed her to return to work with an updated medical certificate. Fearing for her job security, May reluctantly reported for duty the following day, despite her health issues.
According to a colleague, May collapsed just 20 minutes after starting her shift. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery for necrotising enterocolitis, a severe intestinal condition. Sadly, she passed away the next day due to complications.
In response to the tragedy, Delta Electronics Thailand issued a public statement on September 17, expressing deep regret over May’s death. Victor Cheng, CEO of Delta Electronics Thailand, stated, “At Delta Electronics, our people are the foundation of our success, and we are devastated by this loss.” The company pledged to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding May’s death and committed to supporting her family during this difficult time. Cheng also emphasized the company’s dedication to transparency and responsibility, promising to keep relevant parties informed as the investigation progresses.
This heartbreaking event has intensified discussions around employee welfare and medical leave policies, particularly in industries that rely heavily on factory workers. Labour rights groups have called for a review of workplace practices, highlighting the need to prioritise workers’ health and safety.
As the internal investigation continues, this case has attracted significant attention both in Thailand and internationally, serving as a reminder of the critical need to balance work obligations with employee well-being, especially in high-pressure work environments.