Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, discussed his idea for increasing child support, noting that the Social Security Office previously provided 800 baht per month but increased it to 1,000 baht per month for 2025, with approval from the Social Security Fund Board. However, he aims to further incentivize workers under Section 33 to have more children.
“I personally have an idea to increase the population of Thailand, specifically for Thai citizens. Many workers today worry about the burden of raising children, especially in urban areas where the cost of education is high. My idea, which I have asked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor to bring to the Social Security Board, is to offer workers under Section 33 child support of 3,000 baht per month (up from 1,000 baht) for a period of seven years if they send their children to be raised in rural areas,” said Mr. Phiphat.
He further explained that while this initiative would require a significant financial contribution from the Social Security Fund, it would ensure long-term stability for Thailand’s labor force by increasing the native population. Currently, the number of deaths exceeds the number of births in Thailand. Therefore, he believes that the Social Security Fund should incentivize workers to have more children by offering an increased monthly support of 3,000 baht.
“This idea reflects the notion that the Social Security Office is essential to helping increase Thailand’s population. We want to encourage workers to have more children, which will strengthen the country’s labor force,” said Mr. Phiphat.
When asked if there would be a limit on the number of children eligible for support, Mr. Phiphat clarified that there would be no specific number—whether one, two, or three children, support would be provided for all children born to Section 33 workers.
Mr. Phiphat also explained the rationale behind sending children to rural areas: the cost of raising children in rural areas is lower. “We need to build from the countryside and bring people into the cities. It is difficult to do the opposite. We are trying to encourage rural communities to connect with urban workers under Section 33, who can have children and send them to be raised by grandparents in rural areas. In return, these workers will be eligible for the increased child support.”
Mr. Phiphat emphasized that this is just a concept he is sharing with the media before presenting it to the Social Security Board. He has no authority to make decisions, as that responsibility lies with the board’s chairman, but he hopes the Permanent Secretary will explore its feasibility.
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