Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai Government is considering granting freelance workers the same welfares accorded to those who are registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), on the condition that they pay income taxes.
According to Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, the Government is in discussion with several agencies to set up a welfare system to protect freelancers, such as tour guides, ride-hailing service drivers, and online content creators.
Under the new system, freelance workers could claim medical and other welfare benefits, just like other workers who have registered with the Social Security Office. However, they must declare their income and pay the required taxes, he said.
Sorawong said the move followed a discussion with representatives from various civil and labour advocacy groups, during which they outlined the potential challenges in setting up such a system.
The inputs from various civil and labour advocacy groups will be used as the basis for a bill on welfare coverage for freelance workers, which the Government plans to present in the next parliamentary session, he said./.
