Thailand boosts child welfare benefits to 1,000 baht monthly
Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) has announced an increase in child welfare benefits for insured individuals, with payments rising from 800 baht to 1,000 baht per month per child. This adjustment will take effect in January 2025, following a decision made by the Cabinet on December 17. The move is aimed at encouraging childbirth among insured citizens, as Thailand faces a declining birth rate which threatens to impact the country’s future labour force and economic stability.
The Ministry of Labour, led by Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, directed the SSO to explore ways to enhance child welfare benefits. This initiative is a response to the continuous drop in Thailand’s birth rate, which could potentially lead to a reduced labour pool and consequent economic challenges.
Boonsong Tapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and chairperson of the Social Security Board, instructed the SSO to swiftly devise strategies for increased child welfare benefits to address these demographic and economic concerns.
Maree Jairangsee, Secretary-General of the SSO, stated that the office promptly researched suitable methods to enhance child welfare benefits. The findings were presented to the Social Security Board, which approved an increase in benefits. Consequently, the SSO expedited the drafting of a ministerial regulation to formalise this change through legal procedures.
The Cabinet’s recent decision allows each insured individual to receive 1,000 baht per month per child, up to a maximum of three children. Once the ministerial regulation is published in the Royal Gazette, the increased benefits will be distributed starting from January 2025. The payments will be disbursed according to the SSO’s guidelines, ensuring the funds are transferred efficiently.
Childbirth expenses
Additionally, the SSO provides a lump sum payment of 15,000 baht for childbirth expenses, without a limit on the number of claims, easing financial burdens for insured individuals. This policy is part of the broader effort to support families and encourage higher birth rates.
“The SSO anticipates that in January 2025, approximately 1.2 million children of insured individuals will benefit from the child welfare payments. These payments will be made via PromptPay at the end of each month. If the payment date coincides with a holiday or weekend, the transfer will occur on the preceding working day.”
The SSO reassures insured individuals that it is committed to advancing policies that maximise their benefits and welfare. These adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to adapt social security provisions to the evolving needs of Thailand’s population, ensuring both immediate support for families and long-term economic resilience, reported KhaoSod.
