On July 26, 2021, the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson Mr. Prateep Songlamyong, spoke about the news posted on social media about “taxi operators protesting for help to pay off debt and provide remedies amid COVID-19”. The source was Thairath Online https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politic/2149333?utm_source=PANORAMA_TOPIC. In this regard, the Ministry of Labour wished to clarify the relevant part that that taxi drivers can apply under Section 40 of the Labour Law. The Ministry of Labour’s Social Security Office has publicized that the public, including people aged 15-65 years who are self-employed, apply for insurance under Section 40. It has recruited networks to represent the Social Security Office in recruiting Section 40 insured persons and to create awareness and understanding among the public about the benefits of being a Section 40 insured person. Section 40 insured persons are a general person who is not an insured person under Section 33 or 39. They are not a government official or a state enterprise employee but self-employed people, such as traders, taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, or farmers. Such people between the ages of 15 and 65 can apply to be an insured persons under Section 40, so people who work as taxis drivers can apply to be insured persons under Section 40.
Mr. Prateep further said that any taxi driver self-employed person who wants to apply under Section 40 could do so through the following channels: the Social Security Office’s website at www.sso.go.th, counter services including at 7-Eleven, Big C, the BACC, the 1506 hotline, and social security networks. For the payment and the benefits of insured persons under section 40, there are three options. Option 1 is to pay contributions of 70 Baht/month, to be protected in three cases, namely, in case of danger or illness, to receive compensation for lack of income, and compensation for disability or death. Option 2 is to pay contributions of 100 Baht/month, to be protected in four cases, namely, in case of danger or illness, to receive compensation for lack of income, compensation for disability or death, and old age. Option 3 is to pay contributions of 300 Baht/month and be protected in five cases, namely, in case of danger or illness, to receive compensation for lack of income, compensation for disability or death, old age, and child allowances. Insured persons who wish to change their coverage options can do so once a year by submitting their intention to change plans with the Social Security Office. The change will be effective in the following month.
“The government, under Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense General Prayuth Chan-ocha and the Ministry of Labour led by Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin, cares about every self-employed person. They, therefore, encourage workers to apply for Section 40 to have social security. Having long-term savings is a way to create stability in life,” concluded the Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson.
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Division of Public Relations
26 July 2021
