Helping Working Women – Thailand Extends Maternity Leave To 98 Days
Thailand is enhancing its maternity leave policy, increasing the duration from 90 days to 98 days. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour, aims to improve benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members and better support working mothers and their families. In this article, the experts at Pacific Prime Thailand will take a deep dive into this and other major enhancements to employee benefits in Thailand slated for implementation starting in 2025.
Details of Maternity Leave Extension
The extension is part of broader reforms to modernize the SSF managed by the Social Security Office (SSO) and improve employee welfare in Thailand. Key features of the new policy include:
- Maternity Leave Duration: To be extended to 98 days.
- Allowance During Leave: To remain at 50% of daily wage.
- Eligibility: SSF members, including registered foreign workers, will receive the same benefits as Thai nationals.
Benefits of the Extension
The benefits of the extended maternity leave are significant:
- Support for New Mothers: Longer leave allows mothers to recover and bond with their newborns, enhancing physical and emotional health.
- Work-Life Balance: Additional leave promotes a better balance between work and family responsibilities, potentially increasing job satisfaction and retention.
- Global Standards Alignment: Aligning with international maternity leave practices enhances Thailand’s overall attractiveness to talent across the globe.
Other Proposed Improvements to Employee Benefits
The Ministry of Labour has also introduced several additional improvements to employee benefits, effective in 2025:
Enhanced Disability Support
Monthly financial support for disabled subscribers will increase from 50% to 70% of their income loss, providing better financial stability.
Extended Contribution Period
The contribution period for SSF members will extend from age 60 to 65, allowing workers to accumulate benefits longer, especially beneficial for those working past retirement age.
Improved Benefits for Freelancers
Freelancers will receive enhanced benefits, including:
- Monthly Support: Disabled freelancers will receive a lifetime monthly payment of THB ฿3,000 (USD $90).
- Child Support: A monthly payment of THB ฿300 (USD $9) for each child under seven, up to two children.
Increased Insurance Benefits
Proposed changes include higher insurance payouts for accidents, sickness, disability, or death, ensuring better protection for workers and their families.
Strengthening the Financial Position of Thailand’s Social Security Fund
The Thai government is implementing a strategic plan to bolster the financial stability of the SSF amid concerns about potential bankruptcy of the SSF within 30 years. The focus is on increasing member registrations, particularly among migrant workers, and expanding coverage to more local workers, including those in informal sectors.
Increasing Member Registrations
Thailand hosts around five million migrant workers, but only about 1.4 million are registered in the SSF. This presents a significant opportunity to grow the member base.
Registering More Workers
The government aims to include more informal workers, such as farmers and domestic staff, who currently lack access to social security benefits.
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Pacific Prime Thailand specializes in insurance including international and expat health insurance, and they can guide you through the complexities of adapting to new environments. They also have extensive expertise in employee benefits, helping organizations navigate these changes effectively.
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