Crowds File For Social Security Board Seats On Day One
Dozens of candidates filed nominations on the first day of Social Security Board elections, with workers' leaders and grassroots groups seeking to represent insured persons at Bangkok's Area 3 office.
On July 1, 2026, applicants filed nominations nationwide for Social Security Board representative positions at the Bangkok Social Security Office Area 3 in Din Daeng district, with submissions beginning early in the morning on the first day of applications.
Among the applicants was Dr. Boonruk Aranyapol, an independent candidate and leader of the "Return, Don't Ask" workers' group, running as a representative for the insured persons' faction. He was accompanied by supporters offering encouragement. Dr. Boonruk stated he aims to represent workers by proposing solutions and improving appropriate benefits through four main policies: halting the CARE formula and confirming use of a separate calculation method to protect Article 33 contributions from being forfeited when transitioning to Article 39 status; implementing the Best 60 Months policy, which uses the best 60 months as the calculation base to boost old-age pensions; pushing for three legal amendments; and launching Open SSO to make fund operations transparent through live broadcasts.
Meanwhile, a team of housewives and security guards—three members in total—filed nominations together as representatives for the insured persons' faction. They expressed their aim to represent housewives, security personnel, and all workers to reflect problems they face and improve fair benefits.
On the first day of applications, nationwide nominations showed 34 applicants for insured persons' representatives and 11 for employers' representatives. Each applicant receives a number based on application order; simultaneous applicants are assigned numbers by lottery. The Social Security Office will accept applications nationwide through July 15, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including public holidays.
