June 26, 2025, 10.00 hours – Mr. Boonsong Tapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, visited Surat Thani Province to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Social Security for All Toward Informal Workers, Batch 5 (Regional Program),” aimed at expanding Section 40 social security coverage to informal workers. The event was opened with a welcome address by Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office. Attendees included Ms. Nonglak Koworakun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Mr. Khattiya Paendetch, Inspector-General of the Department of Employment, Petty Officer First Class Prayong Boonchuay, Inspector-General of the Department of Skill Development, Mr. Thuwanont Duangjak, Inspector-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and heads of affiliated agencies in Surat Thani Province. Mr. Chayanrat Rungrojwararak, District Chief of Chaiya, other local labour officials, and community leaders from various districts in Surat Thani were also present. The event was held at Puean Dern Thang Restaurant & Resort, Chaiya District.
Mr. Boonsong stated that the Ministry of Labour is committed to building an inclusive social security system for all groups of workers, especially informal workers who currently lack income protection in times of illness, disability, or old age. This project is a key mechanism in reaching communities at the grassroots level and raising awareness of the benefits provided under Section 40, which offers extensive coverage at a low cost. In Surat Thani alone, there are over 390,000 informal workers, but only 73,932 are currently enrolled under Section 40, indicating a large number who still lack protection.
He further instructed the provincial Social Security Office to take a proactive approach by visiting communities and working with local leaders, community representatives, and occupational networks to broaden public awareness and facilitate enrollment across all districts. In addition to Surat Thani, the initiative also connects to neighboring provinces, such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Chumphon, and Ranong. It builds a regional network of insured persons to advance social protection among informal workers, including farmers, traders, vendors, general contractors, and skilled freelancers.
Mr. Boonsong also emphasized that enrolling in Section 40 is an essential tool for informal workers to gain stability in life. Even without formal employers, they deserve protection. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour’s goal of integrating as many informal workers into the social security system as possible by the end of 2025. This proactive campaign reflects the government’s policy to ensure that everyone is protected and helps drive sustainable grassroots economic development.
