Cabinet backs social security bill raising age ceiling to 65
Thailand’s draft social security bill would lift the Section 33 age ceiling from 60 to 65, expand benefits and offer more flexible pension options.
- The Thai Cabinet has endorsed a bill to raise the maximum age for employees covered by the social security system from 60 to 65.
- The proposal introduces more flexible options for accessing old-age benefits, including the choice of a lump-sum payment, early access during disasters, or using benefits as loan collateral.
- Other expanded benefits in the bill include increased income replacement for disability (up to 70% of wages), extended child allowance, and higher maternity leave compensation.
- The legislation, which still needs to pass, would also allow pensioners to re-apply for social security coverage to retain access to benefits like medical treatment after leaving employment.
The Cabinet has endorsed a Ministry of Labour bill that would raise the upper age limit for employees insured under Section 33 of Thailand’s social security system from 60 to 65, alongside wider benefits and more options for accessing old-age payments.
Deputy government spokesperson Captain Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn outlined the proposed amendments to the Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1990), which are intended to support an ageing society and provide more comprehensive protection for insured people.
The legislation would update provisions of the long-standing law that no longer reflect current circumstances. The changes remain proposals and must proceed through the legislative process before taking effect.
Extended child allowance and higher disability support
Insured people would retain their child allowance for six months after leaving employment, while maternity leave compensation would increase to bring it into line with labour protection legislation.
Income replacement for people with disabilities unrelated to work would also rise from the current 50% of wages to a maximum of 70%.
More options for accessing old-age benefits
Under the proposal outlined by Patdarasm, insured people with at least 180 months of contributions would be able to choose between an old-age pension and a lump-sum payment upon reaching 55 or when their insured status ends.
Those who have contributed for at least 60 months could request part of their old-age benefits before turning 55 if a serious disaster affected their living conditions.
They could alternatively use part of their old-age benefits as collateral for a loan from a financial institution with an agreement with the Social Security Office.
The loan amount would be capped at 30% of their old-age benefits and could not exceed twice the maximum wage base used to calculate social security contributions.
Pensioners could apply for continued coverage
People receiving an old-age pension after leaving employment would be able to apply to continue their social security coverage, retaining access to benefits such as medical treatment.
Under this arrangement, the government would contribute one part for every two parts paid by the insured person. Coverage would include illness, disability and death.
Revised employer penalties and implementing rules
The bill would replace criminal penalties for certain employer breaches, such as failing to submit required returns within the prescribed deadline, with non-criminal regulatory fines.
The changes would follow the Act on Imposition of Pinai Regulatory Fines B.E. 2565 (2022), with the aim of making penalties more appropriate and fair.
The Cabinet also acknowledged a plan to prepare 18 pieces of subordinate legislation, which would have to be completed within 60 days after the amended law takes effect.
The bill will next be considered by the House of Representatives Coordination Committee before being submitted to the House of Representatives.
