Globenauta

Quick update: I now have only a few days left to decide whether to withdraw the lump sum or leave it for a future pension. It seems I can still keep my health coverage even if I withdraw, so now my main question is: Is it financially worth keeping the contributions for a pension, or is the payout too small to matter? Any insights from those who have made this decision would be really helpful. Thanks!

Update: I now have only a few days left to apply for SSO Section 39 and keep my health insurance, so I need to make a final decision soon. During my last visit to the SSO office, the officer told me I can withdraw a lump sum of my past contributions (about 90k THB). However, I wasn’t able to get a clear answer on whether taking this lump sum would mean losing the ability to apply for Section 39 and continue receiving health coverage. Recently, I was toldvI can still apply for Section 39 after withdrawing the lump sum, but I won’t get a pension later (even if I reach eligibility in the future). My main concern is keeping health coverage, but I’m also wondering if keeping my contributions for a future pension is worth it. I know SSO pensions are very small, but since they are paid for life, they could eventually outweigh the 90k lump sum. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has faced this decision: Did you take the lump sum or keep your contributions and later receive a pension? Was it really a choice, or were you forced into one option? Any feedback would be very helpful before I go back to SSO. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I originally posted this in the "Insurance in Thailand" section, but I didn’t get clear responses. Since this is also a financial planning issue, I hope someone in this section has first- hand experience or insightsabout SSo pensions & health coveragedecisions. My situation: I recently left my job and now have the option to apply for SSO Section 39 (self-funded) to continue health insurance and social security contributions. However, the SSO officer also mentioned that I can withdraw a lump sum, which is the total amount I contributed over my working years. I was told conflicting things: some say taking the lump sum cancels Section 39 eligibility, others say it does not. What I need ot decide: If I take the lump sum, can I still apply for Section 39 and keep health insurance? Would it be financially smarter to take the lump sum or continue contributions for a pension? Has anyone been through this process? What was your experience? - My priority is keeping the health insurance under SSO - Pension consideration: If I reach 15 years of contributions, I might get a small monthly pension. But some say it’s so small that taking the lump sum is always the better option. If you’ve been in this situation or know someone who has, please share your experience! I really appreciate any advice before I go back to the SSO office. Thanks in advance!

Following up on my last post, as I haven’t received a clear answer yet... I’m now ready to apply for Section 39 (self-funded SSO insurance) after leaving my job. However, when I visited the SSO office last week, they mentioned a lump sum withdrawal option, and I’m still unclear about it. I’ve heard that taking the lump sum might cancel my ability to keep Section 39 health insurance, but I haven’t been able to confirm this 100%. Can anyone who has faced this decision share their experience? Did you take the lump sum and later regret it? Were you able to get back on Section 39 afterward? I’d really appreciate any recent updates or personal experiences before I go back to the SSO office. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I appreciate all the insights previously shared about continuing SSO coverage. I recently visited my local SSO office to switch from Section 33 (employee) to Section 39 (self-funded) so I can keep public health insurance. During the visit, the officer mentioned a lump sum withdrawal option, but the discussion was in Thai, and I didn’t fully understand it. My wife tried to follow along, but we’re still unclear on how this affects my options. What I understand so far: Since I haven’t reached 180 months of contributions, I wouldn’t qualify for a pension yet. Taking the lump sum now might mean losing future pension eligibility. If I stay in Section 39 and continue contributing, I could eventually qualify for a monthly pension. I can keep SSO health coverage for ฿432/month, but I’m unsure if taking the lump sum affects this. Questions: If I take the lump sum, can I still keep Section 39 health insurance? Has anyone taken the lump sum and later regretted it? Once I take the lump sum, can I later rejoin the pension scheme or is it final? I’d love to hear from anyone who has been through this process. Any advice or clarifications would be greatly appreciated before I go back to the SSO office. Thanks in advance for your help!

Thank you for sharing your experience! Camillian Hospital sounds like a good option, I’ll take a look at their health check-up programs. I appreciate the advice about being cautious with follow-ups. Thanks again for the helpful input!

Thank you so much, Sheryl! Your explanation about cancer screening is very helpful. We’ll definitely use your suggested list of tests as a guide and look into a basic package where we can add the necessary items. My wife had a colonoscopy last year, so it’s good to know that isn’t necessary again for now. Thanks again for taking the time to share your valuable advice!

Thanks so much, Celsius! Bangpakok hospitals seem to be on the opposite side of Bangkok from where I live, but Paolo Hospital is much closer. I’ll definitely check it out! I really appreciate your suggestion, thanks again!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a health check package for my Thai wife (early 50s) in Samut Prakan or Bangkok. Ideally, the package would include tests like a full blood panel, hormone levels, heart and kidney function, and cancer screening, but I’m open to suggestions. Any recommendations for hospitals or clinics that provide thorough packages at reasonable prices would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I respect that everyone makes choices based on their own situation. For me, I want to thank everyone who shared helpful advice in this thread, especially @Sheryl who pointed me toward a much cheaper registered alternative for Rosuvastatin. I’ve already purchased my first batch of Rosetta at 360 THB per box compared to Vivacor’s 888 THB. There may be even cheaper, non-registered options out there, but I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can prioritize quality and safety. Circumstances can always change, and I may adjust if needed, but for now, this is what works for me. Regards

As far as I know, there are currently only two regularly registered versions of Tadalafil available in Thailand: Original Cialis: Around 4,500 THB for a box of 28 pills (5 mg). Talafil: A generic version manufactured by the Thai company Millimed, priced at about 2,400 THB for a box of 30 pills (5 mg). Of course, there are plenty of unregistered or unregulated versions available at much lower prices, but they come with potential risks.

Millimed, it's not a distributor. Reputable Thai pharma manufacturer. Talafil is their generic Cialis version registered under Thai FDA. Never mind

https://www.mims.com/thailand/drug/info/talafil

That’s an interesting observation, but price differences between countries often come down to local market conditions, taxes, and regulations. As others have pointed out, there are lower-cost generic options available, including some that aren’t Thai FDA-registered. However, I personally prefer sticking to registered medications approved to minimize potential risks.

Hello, you're absolutely right - what I did was change the reason for my extension of stay from work to Thai spouse. As for the work permit, I haven’t applied yet, but I hope to have the opportunity to check and share my experience soon!