Freelancers in the frame: Thailand mulls welfare for all, even in the sex trade

The government is contemplating extending welfare protections to freelance workers, including those in the sex industry, akin to those available to employees registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), contingent on their payment of income taxes.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that discussions are underway with multiple agencies to establish a welfare system to safeguard freelance workers, including tour guides, ride-hailing service drivers, online content creators, and sex workers.

Freelancers could access medical and other welfare benefits under the proposed system, provided they declare their income and fulfil tax obligations.

Sorawong mentioned that this initiative follows consultations with representatives from various civil and labour advocacy groups, who highlighted potential challenges in implementing such a system.

Representatives from the Service Workers in Group Foundation (Swing) indicated that sex workers are seeking welfare benefits and legal protections. However, many are reluctant to disclose their identities due to the nature of their work, said Sorawong.

“Sex workers are calling for welfare benefits and legal protections, but many do not wish to reveal their identity.”

During the same discussion, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand underscored the urgent need to extend welfare protections to freelance workers in the tourism sector, emphasising their substantial contribution to the national economy.

The feedback from various civil and labour advocacy groups will serve as the foundation for a bill aimed at providing welfare coverage for freelance workers. The government intends to present this bill in the upcoming parliamentary session, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalisation of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients. President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry.

In other news, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn vowed to investigate measures to avert a potential collapse of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within the next decade due to funding shortfalls.