Thailand boosts benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days

The Ministry of Labour announced significant improvements to benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members, which will kick off next year. These enhancements include an increased allowance during maternity leave and extended periods for receiving various social security benefits.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed new guidelines for managing the SSF, including a legal amendment under the Social Security Act aimed at extending the benefit period for subscribers. One notable change involves extending the contribution period for subscribers from the current age cap of 60 to 65 years old, allowing members to accrue larger benefits.

He stated that additional benefits will be available to employees of private companies covered by Section 33 of the Social Security Act and those under Section 39 who have ceased contributions but remain eligible for benefits. These enhancements include increased insurance payouts in cases of accidents, sickness, disability, or death.

Maternity leave benefits will also see an upgrade. SSF members on maternity leave receive an allowance equivalent to 50% of their daily wage for 90 days post-birth. This allowance period will be extended to 98 days.

Subscribers suffering from disability will experience an increase in their monthly support, which will rise from 50% to 70% of their income loss.

Phiphat also mentioned benefits for freelancers insured under Section 40 of the Social Security Act. These freelancers are entitled to monthly support of 3,000 baht (US$90) for life if they become disabled, 300 baht (US$9) per month for each child aged seven or below (up to two children), and compensation for income loss due to illness or injury.

Beyond these benefit enhancements, there is a strategy in the works to prevent the potential bankruptcy of the SSF within the next 30 years, a concern raised by some experts. Maintaining the number of fund members is crucial for the SSF’s continued operation.

The ministry and the Social Security Office will explore plans to register more workers into the SSF system, including Thai and foreign individuals working as farmers, gardeners, and domestic servants, reported Bangkok Post.

“Thailand has five million legal and illegal migrant workers, but only 1.4 million of them are in the SSF system,” Phiphat said. “If we could increase that number to four million, this will significantly bolster the fund.”