The Cabinet approved the draft Social Security Act to extend the age limit for insured persons to 65 years to support an aging society, increase maternity leave benefits, and raise disability income compensation to no more than 70 percent of wages.
On 3 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykong, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Cabinet approved the draft Social Security Act (No. ...) B.E. ... as proposed by the Ministry of Labor. The law is updated to reflect current conditions, support an aging society, and provide more comprehensive protection for insured persons. The current Social Security Act of 1990 has been in force for a long time and contains provisions that are now unsuitable and inconsistent with present circumstances.
The draft extends the age limit and enhances benefits by raising the maximum age for insured employees under Section 33 from 60 to no more than 65 years to accommodate older workers. It also extends child support benefits for six months after employment ends, increases maternity leave benefits to align with labor protection laws, and raises compensation for income loss due to non-work-related disability to no more than 70 percent of wages, up from 50 percent.
Additionally, insured persons who have contributed for at least 180 months may choose to receive old-age pensions or lump-sum benefits at age 55 or upon termination of insured status. Those with at least 60 months of contributions can withdraw part of their old-age benefits before age 55 in cases of severe disasters affecting their livelihoods or use part of their old-age benefits as collateral for loans from financial institutions partnered with the Social Security Office. The loan limit is capped at 30 percent of old-age benefits and no more than twice the highest wage base.
Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi added that the draft also allows pensioners who have retired but still need protection, such as medical benefits, to re-enroll as insured persons. The government will contribute one-third, and the insured will contribute two-thirds, covering sickness, disability, and death. The draft also revises penalties for employers who fail to comply with the law, such as late filing, changing from criminal penalties to administrative fines under the 2022 Administrative Fines Act for appropriateness and fairness.
The Cabinet also acknowledged a plan to draft 18 related subordinate laws, which must be completed within 60 days after the law takes effect. Next steps include submitting the draft Act to the Parliamentary Coordinating Committee for consideration before presenting it to the House of Representatives.