BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is advancing plans to expand social security coverage for platform-based delivery riders, with a target of achieving concrete progress within one year. The policy responds to concerns raised by rider groups over limited legal protection and restricted access to basic welfare benefits. Many food and parcel delivery riders face daily risks on the road but are classified as independent contractors, leaving them outside standard labor protections and without coverage for work-related accidents or illnesses. This has created gaps in access to welfare for a growing workforce in the digital economy.
The Ministry of Labor has set up a task force to address the issue, including representatives from rider groups and civil society. The group will examine how different categories of platform workers can be incorporated into the social security system, while pursuing legal amendments for those not currently covered. The policy is expected to help improve living conditions for workers while supporting the continued development of the digital economy. (NNT)
