30-Year-Old Employee Dies After Sick Leave Request Denied by Manager; CEO States, ‘We Are Heartbroken by This Tragedy
A 30-year-old factory worker in Thailand died shortly after her request for sick leave was denied by her supervisor, raising alarms about workplace conditions and employee welfare. This incident took place in Samut Prakan province, south of Bangkok, amid increasing global discussions on work-life balance and employee rights.
The woman, named May, had been working at an electronics manufacturing facility owned by Delta Electronics Thailand. According to reports from the Bangkok Post, May had been undergoing treatment for an inflamed large intestine and had taken medical leave from September 5–9, which was backed by a doctor’s note. During this time, she spent four days in the hospital, followed by two days of recovery at home.
On the evening of September 12, May requested additional sick leave, explaining that her condition had worsened. However, her manager rejected the request, instructing her to return to work and provide an updated medical certificate. Concerned about her job security, May reported to work the following day despite her declining health.
A colleague reported that May collapsed just 20 minutes into her shift on the factory floor. She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. Unfortunately, she passed away the next day due to complications from necrotising enterocolitis.
Delta Electronics Thailand issued a public statement on September 17, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of their employee. “At Delta Electronics, our people are the foundation of our success, and we are heartbroken by this loss,” stated Victor Cheng, CEO of Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL.
The company announced that it would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding May’s death, ensuring a commitment to transparency. “At this trying time, our main priority is to provide the employee’s family with unwavering support,” Cheng said. “As new information becomes available, Delta Electronics will keep all pertinent parties informed, as we remain committed to transparency and accountability.”
This incident has sparked conversations about the management of employee welfare and medical leave policies in the workplace, especially in industries that depend on a large workforce of factory workers. Labor rights organizations have called for a reassessment of current practices, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing workers’ health and safety.
While no additional information has been provided regarding the internal investigation, the case has garnered considerable attention both in Thailand and internationally, shedding light on ongoing concerns about balancing work responsibilities and personal well-being in high-pressure work environments.
