Thai social security wage ceiling set to increase by 2026
The Thai Social Security Office (SSO) is set to revise its wage ceiling, planning an increase to between 17,500 and 23,000 baht. This change aims to enhance pensions and compensation benefits for insured individuals under Section 33, with implementation expected by January 2026.
The SSO of the Ministry of Labour opened a public consultation recently to gather opinions on a draft ministerial regulation. This regulation will define the minimum and maximum wages used as a basis for calculating social security fund contributions.
The consultation process allows insured individuals to provide feedback through a questionnaire available on the official SSO website from December 1 to 15. Additionally, feedback can be submitted via the legal system’s website and at Social Security offices across Bangkok and provincial branches.
The existing regulation, Regulation No. 7, established in 1995, currently sets a maximum wage for calculating contributions at 15,000 baht. This figure has remained unchanged since March 30, 1995. Given the evolving economic landscape, the SSO sees the necessity to adjust this wage ceiling to better reflect the current economic conditions.
Under the proposed regulation, the SSO plans to implement the revised wage ceiling from January 2026 onward. From January 2024 to December 2026, the wage used for contribution calculations will range from a minimum of 1,650 baht to a maximum of 17,500 baht per month. From January 2027 to December 2029, this range will increase to a maximum of 20,000 baht.
Starting in January 2030, the maximum will further rise to 23,000 baht per month. This step-by-step adjustment aims to provide greater benefits to insured individuals, including higher compensation and allowance payouts in cases of unemployment, retirement, sickness, childbirth, disability, and death.
Currently, the wage base of 15,000 baht requires a maximum contribution of 750 baht per month.
The benefits received under this scheme include compensation for illness at 7,500 baht per month, maternity allowance at 22,500 baht per instance, disability compensation at 7,500 baht per month, death allowance at 90,000 baht, unemployment compensation at 7,500 baht per month, and a pension of 3,000 baht per month for contributions made over 15 years, increasing to 5,250 baht per month for those contributing over 25 years.
From 2026 to 2028, the adjusted wage ceiling of 17,500 baht will require a maximum contribution of 875 baht per month.
The enhanced benefits will include illness compensation at 8,750 baht per month, maternity allowance at 26,250 baht per instance, disability compensation at 8,750 baht per month, death allowance at 105,000 baht, unemployment compensation at 8,750 baht per month, and pensions rising to 3,500 baht per month for 15-year contributions and 6,125 baht per month for 25-year contributions.
From 2029 to 2031, with the wage ceiling set at 20,000 baht, the maximum contribution will be 1,000 baht per month.
The corresponding benefits will include 10,000 baht monthly compensation for illness, a 30,000 baht maternity allowance, 10,000 baht monthly disability compensation, a 120,000 baht death allowance, 10,000 baht monthly unemployment compensation, and pensions of 4,000 baht per month for 15-year contributions and 7,000 baht per month for 25-year contributions.
From 2032 onward, the wage ceiling will be adjusted to 23,000 baht, with a maximum contribution of 1,150 baht per month. The benefits will include 11,500 baht monthly compensation for illness, a 34,500 baht maternity allowance, 11,500 baht monthly disability compensation, a 138,000 baht death allowance, 11,500 baht monthly unemployment compensation, and pensions of 4,600 baht per month for 15-year contributions and 8,050 baht per month for 25-year contributions.
This gradual increase in the wage ceiling and benefits is intended to provide better financial security and support for the insured, reflecting the rising cost of living and economic changes, reported KhaoSod.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Legal discusses proposed enhancements to Thailand’s Social Security Fund contributions aimed at sustaining coverage and benefits, addressing concerns over fund depletion while ensuring comprehensive support for insured individuals. (read more)
- Go Law Phuket highlights the upcoming adjustments to Thailand’s Social Security Fund contributions, aiming to enhance benefits amidst rising living costs while balancing economic impacts and social protection for citizens. (read more)
- Bangkok Post reports the Ministry of Labour’s upcoming public hearing on a regulation to raise salary ceilings for Social Security Fund contributions, aimed at enhancing financial support for employees and improving cash flow. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is the Thai Social Security Office revising the wage ceiling now?
To align with current economic conditions and enhance benefits for insured individuals as living costs rise.
How might these changes impact Thailand’s economic landscape?
Increased contributions could boost financial security for workers, potentially stimulating consumer spending and economic growth.
What if the wage ceiling wasn’t adjusted for another decade?
Stagnation could lead to inadequate benefits, diminishing financial security for insured individuals amid rising living costs.
How do public consultations influence the wage ceiling revision process?
They allow insured individuals to provide feedback, ensuring the changes meet public needs and enhance trust in the system.
What are the potential long-term benefits of gradually raising the wage ceiling?
It ensures sustainable improvements in social security, adapting to future economic shifts and safeguarding citizens’ well-being.
