May 27, 2026 – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, delegated Mr. Phiphatchai Paiboon, Political Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour, to receive a petition on his behalf and hold discussions with Mr. Nattaphon Maobumrung and his delegation, who led a group of approximately 100 riders from “Group G – Swift Movement, Helping Each Other”. The group had gathered to submit a letter to the Minister of Labour, expressing their opposition to plans to bring riders into the social security system. The handover took place at Gate 3 and in the Labour Relations Committee meeting room on the ground floor of the Ministry of Labour building.
Mr. Phiphatchai stated that, following receipt of the letter, the Ministry of Labour, under the leadership of Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, places great importance on quality of life and appropriate social protection for all occupational groups. The Ministry of Labour has therefore proposed establishing a special task force comprising representatives from both those in favour of and those opposed to the measure, in order to create an open forum for gathering views and reaching a collective resolution. The Ministry of Labour is prepared to listen in the best interests of all parties, with the Ministry’s Spokesperson serving as head of the working group to jointly consider and identify appropriate solutions for all sides.
Mr. Phiphatchai confirmed that no conclusion has yet been reached, nor has any clear direction been determined regarding which section of the Social Security Act riders would be required to join. The Ministry is still studying appropriate models, whether under Sections 33, 39, or 40, or potentially developing specific guidelines or mechanisms suited to the nature of platform workers, whose working arrangements differ from those of conventional employees. This is to ensure that welfare protection and social security coverage is comprehensive, appropriate, and responsive to the growing number of riders.
On the issue of per-trip service fees, Mr Phiphatchai indicated that the working group would review the matter comprehensively, including previously discussed frameworks and criteria for determining per-trip remuneration, which must be revisited and adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and operating costs. However, given constraints within the labour market mechanism and concerns from platform operators, trilateral discussions among the government, platform service providers, and riders’ representatives would be necessary to determine an approach that is appropriate, fair, and consistent with the changing situation. The riders’ group is to submit the names of three representatives within the following week, so that the Ministry of Labour can establish a working group to discuss and determine fair and appropriate solutions for all parties.
The petitioning group called upon the government to conduct broad consultations with riders and all relevant stakeholders before introducing any policies or measures that could impact platform workers. They also proposed establishing a dedicated working group with representation from platform workers to participate meaningfully in policy deliberations and provide concrete recommendations.
The group further raised concerns about the potential increase in social security contribution burdens, particularly for those already enrolled in the scheme or working across multiple platforms. They also expressed worry that additional conditions or requirements could adversely affect flexibility of work, income-generating opportunities, and personal time management, which are key factors underpinning the appeal of platform-based employment. Furthermore, they raised concern that rising operating costs for platform operators could lead to reductions in remuneration, benefits, or work incentives, affecting the overall income of platform workers.
The petitioning group proposed that an appropriate social protection model tailored to platform workers be studied and requested that any amendments to related laws or regulations be carried out transparently and fairly, with incentive measures in place before enforcement. They further proposed that enrolment in the system be made voluntary for certain occupational groups to reflect workers’ individual circumstances and readiness.
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Division of Public Relations
