A 30-year-old factory worker named May died in Thailand after her manager denied her request for additional sick leave.
May worked at an electronics plant in Samut Prakan province. She had taken five days off due to inflammation of her intestines and spent four days in the hospital.
After her initial leave from September 5 to 9, May still felt unwell. On September 12, she asked for two more days off but her supervisor refused.
The manager insisted that she return to work and provide another medical certificate. Fearing job loss, May reported for duty on September 13 but collapsed just 20 minutes into her shift.
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Emergency surgery followed, but she tragically died the next day from complications.
This incident sparked outrage on social media. Many people blamed the manager for not allowing May the time she needed to recover.
Delta Electronics Thailand, where May worked, expressed deep sorrow over her death. The company announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
CEO Victor Cheng stated they are committed to supporting May’s family and ensuring transparency during the investigation.
The incident has reignited discussions about workplace policies and employee rights in Thailand. Labor officials noted that employees can take up to 30 days of sick leave each year.
Employers can request medical documentation for extended absences. This situation raises critical questions about workplace pressures and the responsibilities of employers to prioritize employee health.
As the investigation continues, May’s family mourns their loss while advocating for accountability and changes in workplace policies that prioritize health over productivity.
