PATTAYA, Thailand – The government, through the Social Security Office (SSO) under the Ministry of Labor, is urging insured workers to prepare a written declaration naming beneficiaries for death benefits in advance, particularly for those without legal heirs or those wishing to assign specific individuals to receive the entitlement. Royal Thai Government Deputy Spokesperson Capt. Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn said the Social Security Office places importance on protecting the rights of all insured persons, especially single individuals, those without children, or those without legal heirs. She encouraged workers to formally designate beneficiaries to ensure that benefits from the Social Security Fund are properly and legally transferred according to their wishes.
Under Section 73 (2) of the Social Security Act, insured persons who have contributed for at least 36 months are entitled to death benefits, which will be paid to beneficiaries named in advance by the insured person.
If no beneficiary is designated, the benefits will be divided equally among legally recognized heirs, including spouses, parents, or children of the deceased. Therefore, insured persons who already have legal heirs and do not wish to assign benefits to specific individuals are not required to submit additional documents. However, those without legal heirs, or those wishing to assign benefits to others such as partners, siblings, or close acquaintances, are advised to submit a beneficiary declaration in advance to ensure clarity and prevent disputes over entitlement.
“The government encourages all insured persons, especially single individuals, to review their rights and designate beneficiaries for death benefits in advance so that the benefits accumulated through contributions can be passed on to loved ones according to their intentions,” Capt. Phatdarasmi said.
Regarding benefits, those handling funeral arrangements are entitled to a funeral grant of 50,000 baht. Death benefits are also paid based on contribution periods: insured persons contributing between 36 and 120 months are entitled to 50% of the average wage multiplied by four months, while those contributing over 120 months receive 50% of the average wage multiplied by 12 months. Eligible persons may also receive old-age benefits in accordance with legal conditions. (TNA)
