Following the implementation and advancement of policies to enhance benefits under Social Security Section 40, including amendments to the Royal Decree prescribing criteria and contribution rates, types of benefits, as well as criteria and conditions for entitlement to benefits for insured persons (No. 5) B.E. 2568 (2025), to align with present social conditions and the needs of self-employed workers amid changing circumstances since October 2025, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, announced the successful outcome of these efforts. As a result, over 505,000 insured persons under Section 40 are now receiving immediate benefits.
At present, Social Security under Section 40 for self-employed workers offers three main options: Option 1 (contribution of 70 Baht/month), covers for illness, disability, and death; Option 2 (contribution of 100 Baht/month), adds old-age benefits (lump-sum gratuity); Option 3 (contribution of 300 Baht/month), adds old-age benefits (pension) and child allowance.
Ms. Trinuch stated that, in order to strengthen security and improve the quality of life of insured persons under Section 40 by enhancing benefits without increasing contributions, the Ministry of Labour, through the Social Security Office, has expanded benefits across several areas. These include income compensation for injury or illness, as well as increased compensation for travel to and from medical appointments or outpatient treatment. The payment has been increased from 50 Baht per visit, up to three times per year, to 200 Baht per visit, up to three times per year, applicable to all options. In addition, the minimum period of medically certified rest for outpatient cases has been reduced from three days to one day or more: up to 30 days per year for Options 1 and 2, and up to 90 days per year for Option 3.
The Labour Minister further stated that, in cases of disability, income compensation under Options 1 and 2 has been increased from 500–1,000 Baht per month for up to 15 years to 1,000–2,000 Baht per month for life. For Option 3, the rate has been increased from 500–1,000 Baht per month for life to 1,500–3,000 Baht per month for life. The child allowance under Option 3 has also been increased and the eligible age extended: from 200 Baht per month per child (one child only, aged not over six years, maximum two children) to 300 Baht per month per child (aged not over seven years, maximum two children).
Ms. Trinuch added that provisions relating to benefit payments in cases where an insured person dies before reaching age 60 or before receiving old-age benefits have also been revised. In such cases, a lump-sum old-age benefit will be paid to the person designated in writing by the insured person. If no designation has been made, the benefit will be distributed equally among the insured person’s spouse, parents, or children. In cases of death, funeral expenses under Options 1 and 2 have been increased from 20,000 Baht to 25,000 Baht, while death grants for those who have paid contributions for at least 60 months have been increased from 3,000 Baht to 8,000 Baht.
“Enhancing benefits for insured persons under Section 40 on this occasion not only improves the quality of life for self-employed workers, but also serves as an incentive for informal workers to enter the social security system. Social security is not merely health insurance; it is a guarantee of stability in life,” Ms. Trinuch concluded.
