Social Security for foreigners

[10years]

This topic has come up a couple times recently. I happened to need to go to the local SSO office near Big C at Onnut and picked up the SSO's foldout brochure on benefits.

 

Section 33: For employees. Someone insinuated that the employer must be "Thai company." Not sure what this means, as any company wishing to do business in Thailand must set up a company here and register it, I would believe.

Section 39: For a "voluntarily insured person."

Section 40: For a self-employed person. Thai nationality mandatory.

 

Notes: S39 not limited to Thai nationality. S39 separate from S33. S39 not automatic, you have to meet certain requirements and apply for it. You must have "been an insured person under Section 33, and retired from work, but wishes to remain covered for social security benefits." Your contribution is set at B432/mo. You are liable to make the contribution, not a company or employer. Coverage is limited to an individual. Coverage is the same as for S33 excluding unemployment.

 

Under Old Age Benefits, the insured is entitled to receive either a pension or a "gratuity". If you cease working, you can claim this gratuity, which at minimum is the return of your contributions for old age benefits.

 

To get this very helpful brochure, you might be able to call the SSO's 24-hr hotline at 1506 and ask for one. They have English-speaking reps.