The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, reported that the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, wants independent workers, which is approximately 20 million people, to have social security and receive the same benefits as workers in the system, especially social security protection under Section 40. If independent workers apply to be insured under Section 40, they will receive protection in up to five cases, including loss of income due to illness, disability, death, old age, and child support. There are options to consider as appropriate for the individuals, whether it is option 1, contributing 70 Baht per month; option 2, contributing 100 Baht per month; and option 3, which receives the highest benefits, contributing 300 Baht per month.
The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson said that this year, the Ministry of Labour’s Social Security Office has organized the Social Security for Independent Workers Throughout Thailand Project, with the goal of organizing activities four regional activities and one in Bangkok, to bring knowledge and understanding about the benefits and protection from Social Security Section 40 to those who are self-employed, inviting these groups to apply to become insured under Section 40. The events also promote social security networks to disseminate useful information to workers. The event has been hosted four times already in Phatthalung, Roi Et, Phetchaburi, and Uthai Thani Provinces, with self-employed people showing great interest from various areas. They have also experienced good cooperation from employers. For example, in Phetchaburi Province, employers will pay Section 40 contributions to the families of employees participating in the project, ddddwhere one employee will have one right. This benefit will be available to the employee during their tenure. The family will receive benefits according to option 2. The initiative aims to build morale for employees and their families and is considered a new dimension of cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and business establishments.
“Today, Mr. Phiphat is pushing very hard to take care of independent workers. He will use the mechanisms of the One Tambon One Independent Career Group project to connect with social security to encourage this group of workers to become insured under Section 40, which will help protect and maintain benefits in the long run. In addition to building a career, creating premium products, and providing a one-stop market. Currently, there are approximately 10.9 million people insured under Section 40. The Ministry of Labour aims to increase the number of insured persons in this group to cover over 20 million independent workers,” said Mr. Phumiphat.
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