Thailand Teaching Asia

Hi all,

After reading about that English teacher who died recently, I decided to look into the area of Social Security for foreigners here in Thailand.

I was absolutely amazed to discover that we are entitled to Social Security Benefits just as Thai folk are! Some of you probably knew this already but I'd bet lots don't.

I've been working in Thailand for nearly 6 years, most recently at a government school for one year already and I'm just about to start my second year. To my knowledge, my school never included me in the Social Security Fund. From what I gather so far, this is illegal. "A notice to register the insured with the Zone Office of Social Security must be given within 30 days with effect from the date on which the employee is engaged as an employee or otherwise it is an offense punishable by not more than 6 months imprisonment or a penalty fine of not more than 20,000 Baht or both.

Any employer with at least one employee, irrespective of nationality, is obliged to subscribe to the system. Employees must pay a certain % of monthly salary (5% but capped at 750THB - may need to be confirmed by someone). Employers must pay the same amount as the employee. The government chip in a further 2.75%.

These contributions go towards providing a wide range of benefits similar to our own countries.
Benefits available include:

• Sickness and injury benefit
• Maternity benefit
• Invalidity benefit
• In the event of death
• Invalidity benefit
• Old-age benefit
• Unemployment benefit

Apparently your employer must register you within 30 days of commencing employment. You should receive a Social Security Card and a Medical Card after registering.

In my case, I'm off to the local Social Security Office today to find out what the hell my school has been doing or not doing for the past year and for the coming year. If needs be, I will ask somebody in a position of authority in the SSO to contact my school and explain the situation to them. My contract started on 1 April so the 30 day period to register is nearly up. It's an absolute disgrace that the biggest school in the province is either consciously choosing not to include the farang teachers or is just completely ignorant of their duties and responsibilities as employers. Again!

Here are some links to what I've read so far. Some may have more up to date info than others but the basics are the same. Hope you find this useful. Make sure you get what you are entitled to, unlike that poor guy from England. R.I.P.

SocThe Organization Structure of The Social Security Officer

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FAQ about Social Security in Thailand

Thai Social Security - Insurance in Thailand - Thailand Forum

Thailand - Social Security and Welfare | ExpatFocus.com