Following media reports on a case involving an insured person who received an old-age pension of only 1,320 Baht per month, despite having contributed to the Social Security Fund for more than 181 months, the individual filed lawsuits through the Labour Court Region 1, the Specialised Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, with proceedings spanning over five years. Under the previous legal framework, the pension calculation could be based on a salary base of 4,800 Baht, reflecting the insured person’s entry into the system in 2013. As a result, the pension was calculated based on only 60 months of contributions at that salary base, which the claimant considered unfair, prompting the legal action reported in the media. Most recently, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, revealed that, following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the SSO has approved payment to Ms. Nattha Attawech, the plaintiff, amounting to 304,707.56 Baht, paid in December 2024. Thereafter, a monthly pension of 3,651.18 Baht has been paid continuously. The SSO’s Secretary-General stated that this case serves as an important lesson […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, addressed the situation of rising tensions in the Middle East, stating that she has instructed Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, is to establish a war room to monitor the situation and coordinate assistance for Thai workers in the region. The war room, located on the 5th floor of the Ministry of Labour, will operate 24 hours a day and be ready to provide support should the situation escalate to the point of evacuation. The Minister of Labour stated that evacuation is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and if directed by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Labour stands ready to support the mission. All actions will depend on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ assessment of the level of risk and whether evacuation is necessary. At present, labour offices have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and be prepared to assist and relocate Thai workers to safe areas if they are affected. Regarding the deployment of Thai workers overseas, Ms. Trinuch stated that initial discussions have been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on temporarily suspending […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, has expressed concern for Thai workers in Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with indications that the conflict may intensify and expand, potentially affecting their safety and welfare. Ms. Trinuch stated that she has instructed the Labour Offices at the Royal Thai Embassies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Tel Aviv, Israel, to monitor the situation and prepare to assist Thai workers closely should it escalate and affect them. “At present, the labour offices have coordinated with Thai workers to increase caution in their travel and remain in constant contact with Thai worker groups. If the situation escalates to the point where evacuation becomes necessary, it can be carried out immediately,” Ms. Trinuch said, adding that Thai workers have also been advised to closely follow updates from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, the Labour Office in Abu Dhabi, and relevant Iranian authorities. Thai workers in Iran who require assistance may contact the Labour Office at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi via telephone at (+971) 2557 6833, or the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran at (+98) 912 500 7933 […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the kidney disease situation in Thailand in 2025 has become increasingly serious, with over 1.12 million people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). There have been 800,000 new cases recorded. At present, approximately 17.6 per cent of the Thai population suffers from chronic kidney disease, most of whom are patients with diabetes and hypertension. For insured persons under the Social Security system, the Minister has issued a policy directing the Social Security Office to ensure that insured persons suffering from kidney disease receive treatment in accordance with international standards and that their treatment rights are no less than other healthcare entitlements. The benefits must also cover four main forms of kidney replacement therapy, namely: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), Haemodialysis (HD), kidney transplantation, and palliative care. The Labour Minister stated that kidney disease treatment benefits under Sections 33 and 39 cover insured persons, allowing them to access treatment at all stages free of charge. For haemodialysis treatment, benefits are provided at up to 1,500 Baht per session, not exceeding 4,500 Baht per week or […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, disclosed that she has instructed the Social Security Office to accelerate the payment of unemployment compensation to insured persons, with all provincial offices mobilising staff and extending working hours from 06.00–20.30 to fast-track the consideration and approval of payment orders. According to operational figures from January 5, 2026, to February 12, 2026, the Social Security Office has paid unemployment benefits to 337,594 claimants, totaling over 940.17 million Baht transferred to insured persons’ bank accounts. In addition, the Social Security Office has been instructed to urgently resolve issues across all IT systems in order to facilitate services and alleviate hardship for insured persons as quickly as possible. Most recently, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office reported that unemployment benefit disbursements can now be expedited for more than 35,000 claimants per day. “To safeguard their rights, insured persons may continue to register through the Department of Employment’s website (e-Service) as usual. They can also check the status of unemployment benefit approval via the Department of Employment’s unemployment registration system, the SSO Plus application, as well as through […]
January 27, 2026 – Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, assigned Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Thais Must Have Jobs @ Korat” event for 2026. Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, assigned Mr. Mongkol Songkhram, the Department of Employment’s Deputy Director-General, to deliver the event report. Mr. Banlang Witsiri, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, delivered welcoming remarks. The event was honoured by executives of the Ministry of Labour, heads of provincial offices under the Ministry of Labour in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Director of Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Centre, executives of educational institutions, teachers, lecturers, and employers. The event was held at Terminal Hall, 4th Floor, Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Centre, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Mr. Santi stated that the Ministry of Labour places great importance on promoting employment and continuously creating job opportunities. In fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set five key policy areas to ensure Thai workers have jobs, income, and life security. These focus on driving employment policies alongside workforce […]
Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, addressed reports that 12 million Baht from the Social Security Office’s administrative budget was used to renovate the cafeteria at Social Security Office Area 3, located within the Ministry of Labour compound. She stated that the matter dates back to 2018 and had already gone through the approval process for both the budget and construction. Nevertheless, she has requested the Social Security Office to compile and submit a complete summary of the facts directly to the Minister within 24 hours. The Labour Minister said that what concerns her even more is the potential impact on the confidence of over 24.5 million insured persons who are questioning the Social Security Office. Every Baht and Satang in the Social Security Fund comes from monthly wage deductions from workers, set aside to provide life security for insured persons, covering them from birth, illness, death, disability, unemployment, child welfare, through to old-age pensions that serve as security in later life. These funds belong to the insured persons, not to the Social Security Office. Any use of the funds must therefore be correct, transparent, and fully auditable. […]
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 […]
At the Cabinet meeting on December 30, 2025, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the Cabinet approved the draft Ministerial Regulation of the Ministry of Labour on the criteria, procedures, and conditions for reducing Social Security Fund contributions for employers and insured persons in areas severely affected by disasters. The measure reduces Social Security Fund contribution rates for employers and insured persons for a period of 6 months, from December 2025 to May 2026, in 9 disaster-affected provinces in the southern region, namely: Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, Satun, and Surat Thani. The details are as follows: Section 33 insured persons and employers will have a reduced monthly contribution rate from 5% to 3% of the insured person’s wages, while the government contribution remains unchanged at 2.75% of wages per month. Section 39 insured persons will have a reduced monthly contribution from 432 Baht (based on a wage base of 4,800 Baht) to 283 Baht. The Minister of Labour said that this measure, which reduces Social Security Fund contribution rates for 6 months, will help employers and insured persons in the nine disaster-affected provinces […]
November 24, 2025 – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, officially launched the national policy “Thais Must Have Jobs”, initiating a significant operation to address unemployment, one of the most critical issues affecting the stability of Thai people. The Ministry of Labour has set a target of securing over 150,000 jobs within 4 months, through cross-sector collaboration and a new, nationwide employment service model covering every province. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, stated that the issue of Thais having “no job” is more than just lost income. It is not merely an economic figure, but a sign of social vulnerability. Unemployment means a loss of income and stability. It can lead to numerous problems, such as family issues, social violence, drug problems, and even exploitation by scam networks that have become a global threat. Without work, people lose opportunity and hope, making them more vulnerable to crime. Therefore, what people need is not just employment figures, but security in life, which the Ministry of Labour must deliver. Ms. Trinuch Thienthong added that “Thais Must Have Jobs” is not a slogan but a responsibility that all sectors must collectively pursue […]
October 6, 2025, at 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over a press conference announcing the launch of the “e-WorkPermit” system, part of the Outsourcing Service Project for producing work permits and providing application and employment notification services for foreign workers. Joining the event were Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Lt. Cdr. Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, and other senior executives. The event took place at the press conference room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. Ms. Trinuch announced that the Ministry of Labour has developed the “e-WorkPermit” electronic work permit system to provide round-the-clock online service (24 hours a day). The system covers every step of the process, from submitting applications, checking status, and receiving approvals to obtaining the work permit, without the need for in-person contact with officials. This initiative aligns with the government’s digital transformation policy to elevate public service efficiency. The “e-WorkPermit” system is a key component of the Outsourcing […]
August 22, 2025, 09.00 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over a ceremony to deliver remarks of encouragement and support to the Thai youth delegation competing in the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition, prior to their departure on August 23, 2025, to the Philippines. Attending the event were Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Decha Pruksapatnarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, along with senior executives from the Ministry of Labour. The event was held at the Chatumongkol Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour Building. The ASEAN Skills Competition is an agreement among ASEAN Member States, whereby each country hosts the event in rotation every two years. The aim is to develop human resources and strengthen cooperation in vocational skills, ensuring competitiveness in the face of advancing technologies and alignment with international standards. The competition provides young people with the opportunity to advance as skilled professionals in the labour market, thereby enhancing the nation’s productivity and service capacity in the future. This year marks the 14th ASEAN Skills […]
September 12, 2025 – Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, the Ministry of Labour’s Chief Inspector-General, represented the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour in receiving the 2025 Public Sector Excellence Award in the category of Public Sector Management Quality Award (PMQA) 4.0 – Advanced Level. The award was organised by the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), with Professor Emeritus Bowornsak Uwanno, a member of the Public Sector Audit and Evaluation Committee, presiding over the ceremony and presenting the award. Directors of bureaus, centres, divisions, and groups, as well as officials from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, attended to extend their congratulations at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Ms. Bunyawee stated that she was honoured to represent the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour in receiving the PMQA 4.0 – Advanced Level Award from the OPDC. This award is given to government agencies that strive for excellence in public sector management, with a focus on efficient and effective organisational management, outstanding performance, best practices, and results that deliver real value to service recipients and stakeholders. She added that the […]
August 22, 2025 (Bangkok) – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, presided over the launch of the “Fit4Work: Skills Tailored for Employers” initiative, a key mechanism to develop a workforce aligned with real market demand. On this occasion, the Ministry of Labour announced its strategic collaboration with the Graduate School of Public Administration, National Institute of Development Administration (GSPA NIDA), to enhance labour skill development in the digital era. Attending the event were Mr. Surasit Nitiwuttiworrak, Secretary to the Labour Minister, Mr. Sutthikiat Weerakitpanich, Chairman of the Minister’s Advisory Committee, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Acting Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, Mr. Krirkrai Nasamoyon, Legal Advisor, Mr. Nattawut Phatprayoon, Labour Academic Advisor, together with senior executives of the Ministry of Labour. The event took place at the Social Security Office, Bangkok Area 3 Conference Room, 7th Floor, Social Security Office Building, Ministry of Labour. Mr. Pongkawin stated, “It is a great honour to preside over the launch of the ‘Fit4Work: Skills Tailored for Employers’ project, which I […]
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, […]
June 5–6, 2025 – under the directive of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, the Ministry of Labour intensified its ongoing policy to regulate and enforce proper employment practices for migrant workers across Thailand. The move is part of the strategy to eliminate illegal foreign labour, prevent job displacement of Thai nationals, and ensure compliance with Thailand’s foreign labour laws. Mr. Pichet Thongpan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, was assigned to lead the “Trai Thep Phithak Special Task Force” to inspect businesses in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The inspections targeted a variety of establishments including Thai massage parlours, mobile phone shops, general merchandise stores, vegetable and meat vendors, and construction sites. Mr. Phiphat said that a total of 14 foreign workers (6 men and 8 women) were found in violation of the Foreign Workers Management Decree B.E. 2560 and its amendments. This included 12 working outside the permitted job scope, 9 from Myanmar (5 men, 4 women), and 3 stateless individuals (1 man, 2 women). Two workers were working without a valid work permit, both from Myanmar (2 women). All 14 individuals were handed over to the Hat Yai […]
