Labor Minister Julaphan is pushing the Social Security Office to move forward with revising the Social Security Act to accommodate the '3 Requests' measures, increasing retirement fund options for insured persons.
On 9 November 2026, Mr. Julaphan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, promoted amendments to the draft Social Security Act (No. ...) B.E. ... to expand options for managing retirement savings for insured persons through the '3 Requests' measures: 'Request to Choose,' 'Request to Withdraw,' and 'Request to Borrow.' This responds to feedback and demands from insured persons seeking to unlock their retirement contributions to use funds as needed, whether to create economic opportunities or alleviate hardship during crises. The Cabinet approved the draft law on 3 November 2026.
The Social Security Office is ready to implement the law revisions to increase flexibility in retirement benefits and allow insured persons to manage their savings according to their needs and life plans, while maintaining the Social Security Fund’s stability and long-term benefits. The 'Request to Choose' measure allows insured persons with at least 180 months of contributions who are 55 or older or ending coverage to choose either monthly retirement pension payments or a lump-sum retirement payment, suiting their personal needs and plans. The 'Request to Withdraw' lets insured persons with at least 60 months of contributions withdraw part of their retirement savings before age 55 or coverage end to relieve hardship caused by disasters or crises seriously affecting their livelihood. The 'Request to Borrow' permits those with at least 60 months of contributions to use part of their retirement savings as collateral for loans from financial institutions partnered with the Social Security Office, enhancing access to funding and liquidity when needed. Withdrawals and loans combined must not exceed 30% of retirement contributions or twice the highest wage calculation base under Section 33 criteria, balancing current assistance with securing financial stability for retirement.
Currently, the draft Social Security Act is being prepared for consideration by the House of Representatives. The Social Security Office is committed to fully promoting the '3 Requests' measures to increase options for managing savings and provide mechanisms to support insured persons in addressing economic needs appropriately. This will develop benefits aligned with workers’ needs at all life stages while ensuring the Social Security Fund’s stability, making savings and benefits a sustainable guarantee for insured persons and their families.