The Permanent Secretary of Labor and the Secretary-General of Social Security affirmed ongoing efforts to address social security issues, advancing structural reforms, investment development, and soliciting feedback on board elections.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor; Ms. Kanchana Phoolkaew, Secretary-General of Social Security; representatives from the Social Security Committee; and executives. They held a press conference confirming that the Social Security Office has not been complacent regarding the difficulties faced by insured persons, especially those inconvenienced by the system adjustments for benefit claims. The office has monitored operations closely and continuously reported situations and solutions to the Social Security Committee. The Permanent Secretary of Labor apologized to insured persons for any inconvenience, acknowledging that while some problems have been resolved, certain cases still lag behind in addressing insured persons' hardships.
Today, the Social Security Committee discussed and set guidelines on key issues including:
1. Restructuring the Social Security Office: The Ministry of Labor has appointed advisors and a task force to study ways to improve the management structure of the Social Security Office to enhance efficiency in line with changing economic and social contexts, especially the aging society, and to strengthen the fund's long-term sustainability. The Minister of Labor serves as advisor to the task force, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Labor. The team includes the Secretary-General, four employer representatives, four insured person representatives, and representatives from the Office of the Council of State, Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, ensuring diverse perspectives. Their mission is to develop a roadmap with clear timelines, steps, indicators, and outcomes, while inviting academic experts for recommendations. The study will be completed within 60 days from the first meeting to lead to concrete Social Security Office reforms.
2. Adjusting the Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) to international standards: The Social Security Committee has approved in principle the adjustment of the SAA for the 5th Investment Strategic Plan Phase 2 (2028–2029), aiming primarily to maintain long-term fund stability and support growing obligations due to demographic changes. The SAA will focus on risk diversification via Global Asset Allocation, increasing the allocation in risky assets from 35% to 50% to seek suitable returns. This will be implemented cautiously under strict governance, with regulatory preparations expected to take 15–24 months. Investment will be gradually adjusted according to market conditions, with decisions informed by the subcommittee’s study on financial sustainability funding strategy.
3. Elections of employer and insured person representatives to the Social Security Committee: Currently, public consultations are open on the draft Ministry of Labor regulations concerning the criteria and procedures for electing employer and insured person representatives to the Social Security Committee. The aim is to improve the process to be appropriate, free, fair, lawful, and truly participatory. Employers, insured persons, and the general public can submit comments between 15 January 2026 and 14 February 2026 via the central legal system.www.law.go.thSocial Security Office websitewww.sso.go.thand feedback centers at the Social Security Office in Bangkok metropolitan areas, provincial offices, and branches nationwide. It was confirmed that elections for employer and insured person representatives will be held upon term expiration on 13 February 2026, with the election process completed within approximately 120 days from the announcement date.
The Social Security Office affirmed it will expedite all measures transparently, ensuring accountability and prioritizing the best interests of insured persons to build long-term stability and trust in the social security system.
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