Labor Ministry Allocates 7 Billion Baht For Insured Workers Debt Relief
The Labor Ministry allocated 7 billion baht this year to repay outstanding debt owed to insured workers through the Social Security Office, with a target to clear the remaining 35 billion baht by 2574.
During the July 1, 2569 parliamentary session reviewing the fiscal year 2570 budget bill, Labor Minister Chulphon Amornvivat explained that the Labor Ministry's budget allocation increased by 5 percent this year, though many departmental operations faced cuts due to fiscal limitations.
The budget increase specifically targets insured workers' contribution payments through the Social Security Office. The minister acknowledged parliamentary concerns about outstanding state contribution payments owed to insured workers, confirming that approximately 42,000 million baht in arrears will remain by the end of September.
Looking back over the past decade, arrears reached approximately 100,000 million baht annually during 2558-2559. However, since the 2561 Fiscal Discipline Act created a mechanism requiring the government to repay outstanding debts, successive administrations have made consistent payments within their budget capacity.
This year, the ministry allocated approximately 7,000 million baht specifically for outstanding arrears—an increase from the previous year and a deliberate commitment to advance debt repayment. The minister emphasized the government's intention to maintain this framework, enabling the public sector to return funds to insured workers as quickly as possible.
A target has been set for 2574 to settle the entire 42,000 million baht debt. After this year's 7,000 million baht payment, approximately 35,000 million baht will remain. The minister confirmed the government's commitment to completing repayment expeditiously and within the established timeline.
