On March 6, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, spoke about the progress of the discussion on merging social security and gold card rights. On March 12, the Ministry of Finance will host a conversation with three parties (the Comptroller General’s Department, the Social Security Office, and the NHSO) to consider the possibility of adjusting the system to allow people to access services faster and with the highest quality.
He confirmed that foreign workers in the social security system under Section 33 will have the same medical treatment rights as the Thai people. In the case of foreign workers crossing the border to seek treatment, it is a matter of human rights. Thai doctors provide treatment according to ethics. However, the state currently has to bear the burden of over 1,000 million Baht per year.
Regarding the preparation to appoint a new medical committee of the Social Security Office, the old board’s term ends on February 27 and is in the process of recruiting medical experts. It has been confirmed that labour representatives will have three seats on the new committee, and the appointment is expected to be completed by March so as not to affect the medical service system.
Mr. Phiphat spoke about the establishment of a “War Room” to support the no-confidence debate on March 24. Although this debate is focused on Prime Minister Paethongtarn alone, the Ministry of Labour is prepared to support information from all sides. If it is implicated, it is ready to clarify every issue. He is confident that he will be able to clarify everything, whether before or after taking office.
“The Ministry of Labour is committed to driving policies to provide people with better access to welfare, reduce inequality, and develop labour systems to meet standards,” concluded Mr. Phiphat.
