Abstract
Title Social Security Fund for Workers in the Informal Sector
Field Social - Psychology
Name Miss Duangporn Pornpitakpan Course NDC Class 56
Thailand has a population of 65 million people, 39 million of which are of working age. Of
these, 15 million people are in the formal sector (12 million of these 15 million are subscribers to the
national social security system) while 24 million people are in the informal sector. The majority of
workers in the informal sector do not have any security or welfare benefits when they lack earnings
during periods of injury or illness. They are not protected by old-age compensation payments when they
become old either. The objective of this research is to analyze the operational problems of the social
security system and the need for social security programs among workers in the informer sector, as well
as to provide suggestions for managing the social security fund for the proper benefits of this group of
workers. The study targets freelancers and workers outside the labor laws. It utilizes qualitative research
methods based on secondary data and research papers from relevant authorities. The findings reveal the
social security needs of workers in the informer sector and the forms of benefits appropriate for the
stability of the social security fund. The following are suggested. Revise contribution payments and
pension benefits for the insured persons who are not employees (subscribers of Article 40) as these
should be calculated based on the average poverty line and the government shall contribute the same rate
to the fund. Article 40 subscribers must get the same pension package as compulsorily insured persons. If
the period of contribution is the same, the monthly pension will be higher than the maximum elderly
allowances and Article 40 subscribers are still entitled to receive elderly allowances. This form of
insurance will allow Article 40 subscribers to have total income near the average poverty line which
should enable them to live with dignity after their subscription date expires. Public relations work via
more effective and credible media able to reach large target groups in a short time should be used to
convince them of the benefits of subscription to the social security fund. This will inspire more workers in
the informal sector to recognize the advantage of being an Article 40 insured person in the Social Security
Fund and thus willing to subscribe to the scheme to secure a sustainable life after retirement.
