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The project will focus on engaging volunteer workers and social security network members in Bangkok to relay information on benefits and welfare.
Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (pictured above) announced the launch of a project on 27 November which aims to raise awareness and promote social security for freelances and volunteer workers in Bangkok.
Minister Phiphat shared that this project demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to its goals under the “Outstanding Social Security, Emphasis on Modern Skills, Jobs for All Thais, A Culture of Safety, and a Stable Labour Economy” policy.
The project will focus on engaging volunteer workers and social security network members in Bangkok to relay information on benefits and welfare.
Through this initiative, freelancers are encouraged to access comprehensive welfare services such as health protection, compensation starting from the first day of doctor-ordered work leave, and various benefits covering social, occupational, and housing needs.
Such examples include the Ministry’s expansion of home loan rights to include all insured persons. The amendment of this right will allow volunteers to extend these benefits to community residents. Under Section 40, Bangkok currently has approximately 1.72mn insured persons.
Insured persons are entitled up to five types of benefits namely:
- Accident or illness compensation: Income replacement benefit for up to 90 days
- Disability benefits: Monthly income replacement benefit of 500–1,000 baht, payable for life
- Death benefits: Funeral expenses up to 50,000 baht
- Old-age benefits: Lump-sum payment upon retirement
- Child allowance: Monthly payments for children from birth until six years old.
The Social Security Office also offers housing loans, allowing insured persons to take up loans up to 2mn baht each should they wish to purchase a home or land for construction. Such assistance ensures a better quality of life for the people and a contribution to Thailand’s economic development.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour Boonsong Thapchaiyut stated that with over 11mn Section 40 insured persons across the nation, communication and awareness about social security benefits will be prioritised.
Secretary-General of the Social Security Office Marasri Jairangsi emphasised that the office holds Section 40 with utmost importance as it focuses on the availability of benefits for insured persons. More freelancers may be encouraged to join the Social Security system through this initiative, she hopes.
Overall, the “Communication and Awareness Project” is part of a larger effort to highlight the role of social security networks. All these efforts and more aim to include and expand the benefits of social security to freelancers in and out of Bangkok.
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Lead image/ Ministry of Labour
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