The Thai government is considering granting the same welfare benefits to freelance workers that are available to those registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), provided they pay their income taxes.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong noted that discussions are ongoing with multiple agencies to establish a welfare system that would cover freelancers, including tour guides, ride-hailing drivers and riders, online content creators, and sex workers.
With this new system, freelancers would be eligible for medical and other welfare benefits, similar to workers registered with the Social Security Office.
However, they are required to report their earnings and remit the necessary taxes, he explained.
Mr. Sorawong mentioned that this initiative stemmed from a meeting with various civil and labor advocacy groups, which highlighted the potential hurdles in implementing such a system.
Representatives from the Service Workers in Group Foundation (Swing) emphasized that sex workers are advocating for welfare benefits and legal protection, although many are hesitant to disclose their identities due to the stigmatized nature of their work, he added.
In a recent discussion, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand underlined the critical need for welfare protection for freelancers in the tourism sector, citing their substantial impact on the national economy.
The feedback from different civil and labor advocacy groups will form the foundation of a proposed bill aimed at providing welfare coverage for freelance workers, which the government intends to introduce in the upcoming parliamentary session, he disclosed.
