Thailand Launches New Worker Assistance Fund Starting October 1
Thailand is launching a mandatory worker assistance fund on October 1, 2026, requiring joint savings contributions from employers and employees to provide financial security during job transitions and unemployment.
The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) has urged employers and employees to prepare for a new worker assistance fund launching on October 1, 2026. DLPW Director-General Sarojin Kumkhai announced that the new fund is designed to provide financial security for workers and strengthen their position when employment ends or they become unemployed. The fund emphasizes joint savings between employers and employees and targets businesses with at least 10 workers that do not currently have a pension fund. Collection of contributions will begin nationwide on October 1, 2026.
Contribution rates are set at 0.25 percent of wages per party from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031, then increase to 0.50 percent per party from October 1, 2031 onward. When workers leave their jobs, they will receive their accumulated savings, employer contributions, and accrued interest as a lump sum within 25 days to help ease financial hardship during job transitions. Employers can register through the DLPW e-Service system, while workers should review the fund's rules and eligibility conditions to maximize their benefits.
