Labour inspector (DLPW)
An officer under the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 who investigates complaints and orders payment of statutory sums.
Authority: Department of Labour Protection and Welfare
Comparing a labour inspector complaint with a Labour Court claim
Quick answer
A labour inspector under the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 receives claims for statutory money such as wages and severance, investigates and issues an order. The Labour Court under the Act on Establishment of and Procedure for Labour Courts B.E. 2522 hears a wider range of disputes, including unfair-dismissal damages. The same claim cannot be pursued through both routes at the same time.
What each option is
Labour Court
A specialised court under the Labour Courts Act B.E. 2522 that adjudicates labour cases.
Authority: Office of the Judiciary
Comparison table based on published requirements
| Criterion | Labour inspector (DLPW) | Labour Court |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of matters heard | Statutory sums under the Labour Protection Act — wages, overtime, severance | Labour disputes generally, including unfair-dismissal damages and contract claims |
| How it starts | The employee files a prescribed complaint with the area labour inspector | The claimant files a plaint with the Labour Court having jurisdiction |
| Nature of the process | Fact-finding, both sides give statements, then an order is issued | Conciliation, evidence and judgment, with a statutory emphasis on speed and economy |
| Procedural cost | Filed with a state agency, no court fee | Labour cases are exempt from court fees by statute |
| Effect of the decision | An inspector’s order; a dissatisfied party may take the matter to the Labour Court within the statutory period | A court judgment, enforceable under the procedural law |
| Using both routes | After filing, the same claim cannot also be sued on in court simultaneously | After suing, the same claim cannot also be filed with an inspector simultaneously |
Which route fits which case
- Labour inspector (DLPW): When the dispute is a clearly calculable statutory sum and you prefer a non-court route.
- Labour Court: When the claim goes beyond the Labour Protection Act, such as unfair-dismissal damages, or facts need witness evidence.
Mistakes that get files sent back
- Filing with a labour inspector and suing in court on the same claim at once
- Missing the statutory period to take the matter to court after an inspector’s order
- Not keeping payslips, time records or the termination letter
- Assuming an inspector can award unfair-dismissal damages
- Naming an employer that does not match the registered legal entity
Frequently asked questions
- Can foreign employees use these routes?
- Labour protection law applies to employees regardless of nationality; prepare identity documents and employment evidence to support the complaint or plaint.
- Do foreign documents need translation?
- Foreign-language documents generally need a translation when used in proceedings; check the court’s or agency’s requirements first.
- Is a lawyer required?
- A complaint to an inspector can be filed in person; in court a party may act in person or appoint a lawyer.
- How long does each route take?
- It depends on the facts and the caseload, so there is no fixed period; ask the receiving office case by case.
- What if a party disagrees with the inspector’s order?
- A dissatisfied party may bring the case to the Labour Court within the statutory period, subject to the conditions in the Act.
- How can we get an initial assessment?
- Contact our staff by phone, LINE or e-mail with a summary of the facts and available documents to assess the appropriate route.
Official sources
- Department of Labour Protection and Welfare
- Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (Office of the Council of State)
- Act on Establishment of and Procedure for Labour Courts B.E. 2522
Checked on 2026-08-03; confirm with the authority before filing.
Related pages
Ask our team
The exact steps depend on the receiving authority in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist and timing.