BANGKOK, Thailand – Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat has announced that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is advancing legislation to strengthen social protection for informal workers through amendments to Section 40 of the Social Security Act. The measure seeks to improve welfare coverage for self-employed workers, who play a crucial role in supporting the Thai economy.
The Social Security Office (SSO) has set a goal to extend protection to 20 million people in the informal sector nationwide. As of August 2025, more than 11 million were registered under Section 40, and the number continues to grow as additional self-employed workers voluntarily join the scheme. Participants can select contribution options that best align with their income and benefit needs.
The draft Royal Decree amending the 2018 regulation on contributions, benefits, and eligibility for voluntary insured individuals introduces several updates. These include shorter waiting periods for medical compensation, expanded outpatient benefits, new coverage for contagious diseases such as COVID-19, and lifetime disability allowances. It also revises child and old-age benefits and grants retroactive protection for COVID-19 cases between March 2020 and September 2022.
The Cabinet approved the draft in principle on June 4, 2025, and the Council of State has completed its legal review. Once finalized, the decree will return to the SSO for confirmation before being submitted to the Secretariat of the Cabinet and presented to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement. It will take effect upon publication in the Royal Gazette.
Enrollment under Section 40 is open to freelancers, self-employed individuals, and others aged 15 to 65. Applications can be submitted through Social Security Offices nationwide, Counter Service outlets, BAAC branches, and online channels, including the SSO+ and LINE platforms, the SSO website, and the Ministry of Labour portal. (NNT)
