Proposed Amendment to Social Security Act
6 August 2009
Economic ministers have approved an amendment to the Social Security Act to expand coverage of the social security fund to include spouses and children of members through funding from the government in the event of accident, disability, illness, or death. The amendment is to be submitted to the Council of State and subsequently to Parliament for review.
Around 9.2 million employees of private companies are covered by the Social Security Fund, although their spouses and children are not eligible. They may, however, be eligible as beneficiaries of the universal health care scheme.
The proposed amendment would extend to temporary employees, maids, and voluntary members under Article 40. The voluntary members would be entitled to 1,000 baht if hospitalized for three days or more as well as retirement pensions, in addition to childbirth, disability, illness, and death benefits.
The Social Security Fund requires employees and employers to contribute a small portion of their income to the fund. Nevertheless, the proposed amendment would not increase members’ contributions to the fund according to a Labour Minister.
The amendment, if approved by the Council of State, would also need to be approved by Parliament to be made law. |
