May 18, 2026 at 10:00 hours – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, received a letter from the Platform Workers’ Network Group, whose more than 30 members came to submit a petition to the Minister of Labour requesting amendments to social security legislation so that platform workers may receive equal protection, welfare, and occupational safety. Also in attendance were Mr. Phiphatchai Paiboon, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour (Political), Lt. Cdr. Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ms. Nanthinee Sapsiri, Efficiency Adviser at the Social Security Office, and Mr. Surasit Srikaew, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. The submission took place in the ground-floor lobby of the Ministry of Labour, followed by a joint discussion at the Labour Relations Committee Conference Room, 1st Floor, Ministry of Labour Building.
Mr. Julapun stated that he had consistently announced policies aimed at amending legislation to bring platform workers into the social security system, and that it would be necessary to examine whether each category of platform worker is able to access social security under Section 33 in full. For any category unable to do so, the Ministry of Labour would need to determine what form of legislative amendment would be appropriate in order to ensure that these workers can access social security protection and benefits. The Ministry of Labour will establish a working group comprising the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, the Social Security Office, and relevant agencies to hold discussions with each category of platform worker, so as to arrive at appropriate solutions within no more than one year.
Mr. Julapun also took note of cases in which riders had been subjected to sexual harassment and physical assault whilst working. He assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to take charge of these matters. He expressed his willingness to help resolve such issues so that platform workers may receive fair treatment and work safely. He added that anyone experiencing such problems is welcome to report them or submit a complaint directly to the Minister of Labour, so that a dedicated task force can move to address the issues as swiftly as possible.
