On April 15, 2020, at 14.30 hours, Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Suthi Sukosol gave an announcement on the special program, “Fighting the Covid-19 Virus Together”, about expanding coverage for insured persons receiving rights to unemployment benefits due to force majeure. The announcement took place at the Santi Maitri Building, Government Houses. He said that the Cabinet’s resolution, which was approved today (April 15, 2020), whereby the Cabinet has agreed to extend the coverage for insured persons under Section 33, for unemployment from force majeure. Insured persons who have become unemployed from the effects of Covid-19 can receive unemployment benefits for up to 62 percent of daily wages, not exceeding 90 days. Coverage is more thorough as follows:
- In the event that the insured person is not working, or employers have suspended the worker for 14 days in quarantine, due to contact or close proximity to people infected with Covid-19;
- (The Cabinet approved to extend coverage) in the event that insured persons are unable to work and are not being paid in the meantime, regardless of whether the employer has stopped business operations on their own or following government orders. Insured persons are also entitled to receive unemployment benefits at a rate of 62 percent of daily wages, not exceeding 90 days;
The Ministry of Labour will expedite the necessary legal processes, for the law to be issued under the Government Gazette. The announcement shall come into force as soon as possible to fully alleviate the suffering of insured persons during the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Division of Public Relations
15 April 2020
