An advisor to the Minister of Labour explained the draft amendment to the Social Security Act, confirming its progress to enter parliament and accelerate the delivery of benefits to insured persons. She noted that issues such as the 120-day maternity leave and board term adjustments can be addressed at the parliamentary committee stage.
On 12 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Boonyakorn Damrongrat, advisor to Mr. Julpan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labour, disclosed progress on the draft amendment to the Social Security Act currently under Cabinet consideration. She said the bill has undergone continuous processes, recalling that in 2022, this draft was approved by the Cabinet and sent to the Office of the Council of State for review before being resubmitted to the Cabinet to prepare for submission to the House of Representatives for legislative consideration.
Ms. Boonyakorn stated that Minister Julpan Amornwiwat views this Social Security Act draft as containing significant provisions beneficial to insured persons, including the “3 Requests” measures and Section 39/1, which allows insured persons receiving old-age pensions to continue retaining their medical benefits. Therefore, he aims to expedite the bill’s passage so that these benefits reach insured persons as soon as possible.
Regarding the observation that the draft provides 98 days of maternity leave, which does not align with the 120 days mandated by the Labour Protection Act, Ms. Boonyakorn explained that Minister Julpan is aware of this issue and has considered possible amendments. However, making changes at this stage would require restarting the entire legislative process, which could take years before reaching parliamentary consideration. Political instability could further extend this timeline, delaying other benefits for insured persons. Thus, debating this now would only cause further delays.
“The number of maternity leave days can be discussed and amended at the parliamentary committee stage, since the first reading is only a principle approval step. Details can be revised appropriately based on the committee’s consensus,” the Minister’s advisor stated. ."
Ms. Boonyakorn also addressed the proposal to extend the term of Social Security Board members from two to three years, a change recommended by the Social Security Office to ensure greater continuity of work. The rule includes a requirement to skip one term before reappointment is possible. She noted that this issue can likewise be reviewed and amended during the parliamentary committee stage.