Thai cabinet approves social security reforms to expand benefits　

The Cabinet has approved a draft amendment to the Social Security Act, introducing a comprehensive package of proposed reforms designed to strengthen social security protection and expand benefits for insured individuals. The proposals, approved on November 3, raise the maximum age for employees insured under Section 33 from 60 to 65 and extend child allowance payments for six months after employment ends.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the draft would increase income support during maternity leave and raise compensation for work-related disabilities from 50% to a maximum of 70% of wages. The changes would provide greater financial protection for workers and families.

The amendments would allow insured individuals with at least 180 months of contributions to choose between monthly pensions and lump-sum retirement benefits, subject to eligibility requirements. Those with at least 60 months of contributions could access part of their retirement benefits early in cases of severe disaster or use a limited amount as loan collateral. Pensioners could also voluntarily continue coverage for sickness, disability, and death benefits.

The draft also proposes replacing certain criminal penalties for employer violations with regulatory fines. The government plans to prepare 18 supporting regulations within 60 days after the amended law takes effect. The legislation will undergo further review before it is submitted to Parliament, and the proposed changes are not yet in force.