PURPOSE: To obtain a thermal recording material suitable for high-speed recording, having high heat sensitivity and favorable image stability, by providing a protective layer comprising a water-soluble resin and a filler on a thermal color forming layer comprising a specified compound.

CONSTITUTION: The protective layer comprising a water-soluble resin and a filler is provided on the thermal color forming layer comprising a compound of formula 1, wherein each of R1 and R2 is lower alkyl, haloalkyl or cycloalkyl, as a color developer, in a thermal recording material having a thermal color forming layer comprising a leuco dye and a color developer. The water-soluble resin used in the protective layer may be any of conventionaly used ones, and the filler may be an organic or inorganic particulate material. The thermal recording material can be produced by applying a coating liquid comprising the leuco dye, the color developer and a binder as main constituents to a base such as a paper and a synthetic paper, followed by drying to provide the thermal color forming layer and providing the protective layer thereon.