Warning to Workers: Don’t Miss Out on Compensation Fund Protection for Workplace Hazards

The Social Security Office (SSO) is concerned that workers might miss out on protection from the Compensation Fund for workplace hazards and urges employers to safeguard their employees’ medical rights within 15 days after an incident.

Ms. Kanchana Phulkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), stated that every workplace may harbor unexpected risks, and when unforeseen incidents occur, the most important thing is saving lives and exercising rights correctly and promptly.

The Compensation Fund, supervised by the Social Security Office, was established to support employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to work, ensuring they receive benefits including medical expenses, income compensation, and other legally mandated welfare immediately after the incident. Employers must report the injury using form KT.16 within 15 days from when they learn of the event.

Reports can be made in person at the local Social Security Office where the workplace is located or by mailing the documents, so employees can access treatment rights at medical facilities as follows:

Case 1: Referring employees to medical facilities under the Compensation Fund agreement by using form KT.44. In this case, neither employer nor employee needs to pay medical fees upfront; the hospital bills the Compensation Fund directly.

Case 2: Referring employees to medical facilities not covered by the Compensation Fund agreement. Here, employers or employees must pay medical fees upfront and then submit receipts to claim reimbursement from the Compensation Fund.

Proof of injury.

• Medical certificate (KT.16/1) or a medical certificate from the hospital.
• Other necessary evidence, such as work time records, location maps of the incident, or photographs related to the injury.
• Medical treatment receipts, in cases of upfront payment or in the event of death or loss.
• A copy of the police report.
• Death certificate with a copy.
• Autopsy report or medical certificate.
• Copies of household registration for the deceased employee’s parents, spouse, and children, plus birth certificates of the children.
• Copies of marriage certificates for the deceased employee and their parents.

To ensure employees receive proper protection and benefits from the Compensation Fund, the Social Security Office stresses that registering employees and timely contribution payments are vital to improving the quality of life for Thai workers by providing genuine protection and benefits. Every workplace carries unforeseen risks, and when unexpected incidents occur, saving lives and timely, correct exercise of rights are paramount.