Social Protection and Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers from Three Neighboring Countries

Abstract

There are a large number of migrant nationals from the three neighboring countries (Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos) who come to work in Thailand. These workers contribute to the growth of Thailand’s economy and GDP. It follows that consideration should be given to providing an appropriate measure of social security protection and benefits to these migrant workers in Thailand. The advantage of the Thai Social Security System for migrant workers from three neighboring countries is that the provision of social security to the migrant workers in Thailand is equivalent to that of ILO standard although conditions and benefits may vary in each case. Social security does provide the appropriate level of coverage for illness and/or injury at work and illness outside of work as a minimum during the time migrant workers are present in Thailand.

Thailand should further consider, examine and review current social security provisions for the migrant workers. For example, old age pension and unemployment compensations are not relevant to migrant workers as they do not fit with the short-term employment in Thailand and with the purpose of bringing in migrant workers to fill the labor shortage. In the future, when the countries of origin are ready, the benefits should be accumulated and transferred back to the workers in such countries under the government-to-government agreement. Benefits for childbirth and child/family support are the most claimed. The claims increased more than double during 2012-2017. These supports need to be revised in relation to the government policy on the permission of accompanying spouses and dependents of migrant workers to stay in Thailand during the employment period.