Bangkok: The Cabinet approved a reduction in social security contributions to provide relief to employers and insured persons in nine southern provinces affected by severe flooding. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet has approved in principle the draft announcement of the Ministry of Labour concerning the criteria, methods, and conditions for reducing social security contributions in order to assist and alleviate the hardship of employers and insured persons in areas severely affected by floods in the South.

According to Thai News Agency, these measures cover nine provinces: Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, Satun, and Surat Thani. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has already declared this area a disaster zone.

The key points of the measures are as follows: The Cabinet approved a reduction in the contribution rate for a period of 6 months, from December 2025 to May 2026. Employers and insured persons under Section 33 will have their contribution rates reduced from 5% each to 3% each of their wages. For insured persons under Section 39, the contribution amount was reduced from 432 baht per month to 283 baht per month to help alleviate the burden and revive the local economy.

Ms. Lalida stated that the measure aims to help reduce the financial burden on employers and insured persons affected by the floods, allowing them to use the saved money to restore businesses, employment, and livelihoods. "This reduction will not affect the stability of the social security fund and will not burden the government budget," the deputy spokesperson reiterated.

This draft announcement is being implemented under the authority of the Social Security Act, does not create any obligations for the next Cabinet, and is consistent with guidelines for action following the dissolution of the House of Representatives.