Julaphan revealed that the Cabinet has approved expanding social security coverage to include seasonal agricultural workers, domestic workers, and street vendors in stalls.
On 25 August 2026, Julaphan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, announced that today's Cabinet meeting approved two key proposals from the Ministry of Labor: the draft royal decree to extend social security coverage to three groups of employees and businesses, and joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice to enhance Thai labor rights in line with international standards.
Regarding the social security expansion, the draft royal decree defines businesses or employees not currently covered under the Social Security Act (Draft No. ..) B.E. .... Its main purpose is to increase access to benefits for three target groups: Group 1—employees in planting, forestry, and animal husbandry sectors who are not employed year-round and have no other types of work; Group 2—employees of individual employers whose work is not part of any business, such as domestic workers; and Group 3—employees working for employers engaged in street vending.
The draft royal decree will come into effect 60 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This action increases opportunities for previously excluded workers to access social security protections and improve their quality of life, in line with government policy.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2023. Its aims are to promote social justice, reduce inequality, advance labor rights, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through cooperation among government, employers, workers, and international organizations.
Becoming part of this coalition will enable Thailand to exchange knowledge and address new challenges in the world of work, such as protecting platform workers, managing the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), conducting business based on human rights principles, and reinforcing Thailand’s role as an ILO member since 1919. Thailand has ratified 21 ILO conventions and 2 protocols to date.