Thailand's Social Security Fund requires both employer and employee to each contribute 5% of monthly salary, capped at a maximum salary base of THB 15,000/month (meaning the maximum contribution per side is THB 750/month, though this cap has been periodically discussed for increase by the SSO), covering benefits including sickness, maternity, disability, death, child allowance, old-age pension, and unemployment insurance. Foreign employees legally working under a Thai work permit are required to be registered for and contribute to Social Security the same as Thai employees, and in return gain access to the designated public/Social-Security hospital network for covered treatment.
Social Security registration is mandatory, not optional, for any legally employed foreign worker in Thailand, and gives them a (limited) alternative public healthcare access route beyond pure private insurance.
Key Facts
Both employer and employee contribute 5% of monthly salary each, capped at a THB 15,000 monthly salary base (max THB 750/month per side).
Covered benefits include sickness, maternity, disability, death, child allowance, old-age pension, and unemployment insurance.
Registration is mandatory for all employees, Thai and foreign, working under a formal employment contract with a registered Thai employer.
Foreign employees contributing to Social Security gain access to a designated network of public/Social-Security hospitals for covered treatment.
New employees must be registered with the Social Security Office within the legally required timeframe of their start date, alongside monthly contribution filings.
Steps
Register new employees — Submit new employee registration to the Social Security Office promptly after hiring.
Withhold and remit monthly contributions — Deduct the 5% employee share from payroll, add the matching 5% employer share, and remit both monthly to the SSO.
Choose a designated hospital — Each registered employee selects a designated hospital within the Social Security network for covered treatment.
Costs
Employer Social Security contribution (max): THB 750/month per employee
Employee Social Security contribution (max): THB 750/month
Required Documents
Employee registration form with the Social Security Office
Monthly contribution remittance records
Common Mistakes
Failing to register foreign employees for Social Security under the mistaken belief it's only required for Thai staff.
Not selecting or updating the employee's designated Social Security hospital, which can complicate accessing covered treatment.
Missing monthly contribution deadlines, triggering penalties from the SSO.