Workers have been urged to curb vices such as booze, tobacco and marijuana as Labour Day approaches this Sunday.
The Confederation of Thai Labour (CTL) has called on the government to tackle vices among workers by putting it on the national agenda. Vices eat into workers' incomes and could cause health problems which would hit the health budget.
"The government should promote an anti-vices campaign throughout the year, not only during festive seasons," CTL president Manas Kosol said.
"The issue should be put on the list of national priorities to ensure the well-being and welfare of workers for the long term," he said.
He was speaking at a seminar held Thursday by the CTL titled: "Give up the vices ... Thai workers will not suffer".
More than 100 representatives from its alliances attended the seminar.
They were from the Foundation for Labour and Employment Promotion, Women and Men-Together for Equality, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the StopDrink Network and the Yut Phanan Network.
Mr Manas said a survey held last year by the CTL found 30% of confederation members are addicted to smoking and alcohol.
"Of the 300 baht minimum daily wage, one-quarter of workers spend more than 150 baht on alcohol and tobacco," he said.
"They buy at least two cigarette packets and one bottle of beer. After food and daily travel expenses, workers' spending on alcohol, drugs and cigarettes remains high."
Mr Manas asked factory owners to impose stricter rules to keep its employees' alcohol and smoking habits under control.
"For example, a ban on smoking and alcohol in all indoor work spaces can help us address the problems," he said.
He also suggested that the government establish a fund to pay out compensation to workers who lose their jobs during a recession or economic downturn.
Arunee Srito from the National Informal Labour Coordination Centre said vices such as smoking and heavy drinking will eventually cause problems in workers' lives.
"Workers should realise that all vices pose major problems to themselves and society, including domestic violence and even human trafficking," Ms Arunee said.
Workers need to be aware of the consequences of these vices, she said.
Wararat Aomsaeng said: "I was addicted to drugs and gambling as a teen. I gave them up on my birthday just three years ago, but it was too late. My mum passed away right after I started changing myself."
She said she died from cancer after indulging in alcohol and marijuana.
Ood Samphaokaew, once a factory worker who smoked, encouraged his colleagues to give up all bad habits which could affect their ability to work.