Ms. Aiyarin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the Cabinet has approved a draft ministerial regulation on the new minimum and maximum wage thresholds used as a base for calculating Social Security Fund contributions, as proposed by the Ministry of Labor.
This adjustment is aimed at aligning the calculation of contributions under Section 33 with current economic conditions, given that the previous regulation, in effect since 1995, no longer keeps pace with the continuously increasing wage levels.
Previously, the salary cap for calculating contributions was set at no more than THB 15,000 per month, resulting in insured persons with higher earnings making the same level of contributions and receiving benefits that do not reflect their actual wages.
While the current highest daily minimum wage is THB 400, the calculation is still based on 1995 data, which does not reflect today’s economic landscape and does not comply with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
The new draft ministerial regulation stipulates a stepwise adjustment of the wage ceiling every three years starting January 1, 2026, as follows:
- 2026–2028: wage ceiling of THB 17,500 per month
- 2029–2031: wage ceiling of THB 20,000 per month
- From 2032 onwards: wage ceiling of THB 23,000 per month
Following this, the contribution rate remains at 5%. For example, during 2026–2028, insured persons earning THB 17,500 or more will pay a maximum contribution of THB 875 per month, up from THB 750, which will result in increased benefits, such as higher sick leave payments, compensation in case of death, and old-age benefits.
This adjustment will increase the Social Security Fund’s income, supporting long-term benefit obligations. At the same time, insured persons will receive benefits that better reflect their actual wages, such as higher compensation for illness and death.
The state’s contribution will also rise in line with the new wage ceilings, which are considered an investment to strengthen the social security system in the future.
