On July 26, 2024, at 14.00 hours, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the opening ceremony of the Social Security for Independent Workers Throughout Thailand Project for the fifth batch. From the Prime Minister’s Secretariat’s Office, performing duties for the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Phuchong Worasri, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the Social Security Office’s Secretary-General, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Governor of Samut Sakhon Province, Mr. Phon Damtham, and senior executives from the Ministry of Labour joined the occasion. Social Security Networks and insured persons in the area showed interest in participating in this activity at the Central Place Hotel, Samut Sakhon Province.
The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that he was very pleased to have the opportunity to travel to Samut Sakhon Province and was honoured to chair the opening ceremony of the opening of the Social Security for Independent Workers Throughout Thailand Project for the fifth batch. It is a delightful occasion that the Social Security Office has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on “creating awareness and improving the quality of life in creating social security for applicants for driving licenses” between the Social Security Office’s Secretary-General, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, Ms. Sirirat Weerawisan, participating in the campaign. He invited independent professionals, the general public, and applicants for driving licenses to gain knowledge and understanding about the benefits that insured persons will receive according to the rights of insured persons under Section 40 at the Department of Land Transport’s transportation schools and driving schools certified by the Department of Land Transport nationwide. This demonstrates the determination and intention of the Ministry of Labour, through the Social Security Office, to create comprehensive and appropriate security for workers in all occupations and all ages.
In addition, the event organized various activities to publicize and provide knowledge to groups of independent professionals, community leaders, farmers, vendors, and the general public who participated in the project so that they would be aware of the importance of the benefits of Social Security Section 40. The event disseminated useful information on coverage for income replacement in the case of illness, disability, death, old age, and child support, up to 5 cases. Samut Sakhon is a province located next to the Gulf of Thailand and is rich in aquatic resources. It has the highest catch statistics in the country, so a large number of workers are widely involved in fishing. It is also one of the top salt farms in the country. Samut Sakhon Province has a total of 170,641 independent workers registered as insured persons under Section 40. In addition to the fishing profession, many groups of general employees, farmers, food processing groups, and other professions are not yet covered by Social Security Section 40.
The Social Security Office’s Secretary-General, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, said that the Social Security Office has organized the “Social Security for Independent Workers Throughout Thailand Project” for five sessions, with the first session being held in Phatthalung Province, the second in Roi Et Province, the third in Phetchaburi Province, the fourth in Uthai Thani Province, and the fifth session being held today in Samut Sakhon Province. All sessions have received great interest from local people, demonstrating the need for independent workers who prioritize improving their quality of life, in line with the Ministry of Labour’s policy of “quality skills, employment, outstanding social security, and a focus on driving the economy.”
