Am I eligible for Thai social security as a business owner and MD with a work permit?

Thai social security eligibility Work permit in Thailand Visa rules for business owners Director's qualifications for social security Section 33 and Section 39 of social security Experiences from expats in Thailand

January 29, 2024

8 months ago

Shaine ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone. I own a business in Thailand. I am also the MD having work permit. Am I entitle for a Thai social security? My accountant says owner cannot obtain social security. Please share your experience.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A business owner and managing director (MD) in Thailand questions their eligibility for Thai social security. While some community members suggest that directors are generally not eligible, others point to specific regulations and experiences, indicating that it might be possible under certain conditions. The discussion highlights the complexities of social security laws in Thailand, particularly for those in managerial positions.

Phil ******

8 months ago

Stefan ************

You have to be employed under section 33 for at least a year or more (not 100% sure about the time) then you can change to section 39, provided you have a permanent address (yellow tabian baan and pink ID card). As a director, you cannot be employed under section 33. If you have a person you can trust, let her/him be the director for a year and you be employed as a manager.

8 months ago

Shaine ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stefan ***********

thanks you for sharing. I have yellow book and pink ID since 2017. Question: am I contribute to social security under section 39?

8 months ago

Shaine ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I worked in Thailand over 22 years before I started my own biz. I just found a doc online in Eng. Refer to that, I could apply under section 39 within 6 month since I left my previous job in Aug 2022. Now it is more than 6 months. Plus I have WP and DBD certificate. SSO might not accept me under 39. Possibibility under 40, which is useless. I blame my co-partner and accounting agent for this situation. They pretend they know everything. Thanks, Stefan for you contribution.

8 months ago

Stefan ************

@Shaine ***********

if you've never contributed under section 33, you can't change to section 39. Section 39 is the voluntary SSO which keeps your health benefits even after you've retired. But you need to pay yourself every month.

8 months ago

Reply to

Stefan ************

Us *****

You're an MD, why would you need social security. It is pocket change for you.

8 months ago

Shaine ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Us ****

Being an MD does not mean I am above the tax right. As a tax payer, everyone has right to access a basic government facilities. Does it make sense to you?

8 months ago

Us *****

@Shaine ***********

you're an MD, you should be able to afford the best medical insurance . Relying on gov insurance shouldn't even be your first thought. That's how we think in America.

8 months ago

Reply to

Us *****

Stefan ************

@Us ****

because all private insurances will increase premium when you get older and some even kick you out when you're too old. SSO cost THB 430 a month until you die if you want.

8 months ago

Reply to

Stefan ************

Vera **************

Law was changed years ago and directors can not

8 months ago

Erwin ********

According to the social security act a director should be eligible for social security. However, most social security offices won’t accept it, although if a director owns a small percentage of shares only they may sometimes be enrolled. The only definitive answer will come from the ss office in your area.

8 months ago

Reply to

Erwin ********

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