The Labour Minister has a discussion with the Chairman of the Employers Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (ECONTHAI) and committee to find ways to resolve the problem of sending contributions to the Social Security Fund of employers and employees affected by the coronavirus situation (COVID-19).
On March 18, 2020, at 14.00 hours, Labour Minister M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul, Secretariat to the Labour Minister Lt. Gen. Nanthadet Meksawat, Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Suthi Sukosol and the Ministry of Labour’s executive committee welcomed President of the Employers Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (ECONTHAI) Dr. Nawarat Songsawatchai and committee. The occasion took place at the Saengsingkaew conference room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour.
Labour Minister M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul said that today’s discussion covered solutions to employers and employees affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The Employers Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry asked the Ministry of Labour to consider assisting in suspending the payment of contributions to the Social Security Fund of the affected employers and employees for six months. Previously, the Social Security Board and advisors approved the principle to reduce the social security fund contribution rates for both employers and insurers in both Section 33 and Section 39. Employers and insurers under Section 33, at present, contribute 5 percent of their wages, whereby the proposal is to reduce contributions to 4 percent. In this regard, the Ministry of Labour assigned the Permanent Secretary of Labour And the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office to consider the issue in conjunction with the Social Security Committee, for determining measures to provide further assistance to employers and establishments.
Division of Public Relations
18 March 2020
