Bangkok: The government has announced increased benefits for over 500,000 insured persons under Section 40 of the Social Security Act. Outpatient medical compensation will be increased to 200 baht per visit, and disability compensation for loss of income will be increased to a maximum of 3,000 baht per month, with lifetime coverage.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that, following the government's policy to improve social security benefits under Section 40, more than 500,000 insured persons have received increased benefits. These changes are part of the amendment of the Royal Decree specifying the criteria and rates for contributions, types of benefits, and conditions for receiving benefits, effective since October 2025.

Ms. Airin stated that to provide insured persons under Section 40 with security and a better quality of life, the government, through the Social Security Office of the Ministry of Labour, has increased benefits without raising contributions. Benefits adjusted include compensation for loss of income in cases of injury or illness, and increased compensation for outpatient medical visits from 50 baht per visit to 200 baht per visit, covering all treatment options.

Additionally, the duration of inpatient leave ordered by a doctor has been adjusted. For options 1 and 2, the maximum is 30 days per year, and for option 3, it's no more than 90 days per year. Regarding disability, compensation for lost income has been increased for options 1 and 2 to 1,000-2,000 baht per month for life, and for option 3 to 1,500-3,000 baht per month for life. Child allowance has also been increased for option 3 to 300 baht per month per child under 7 years old.

Furthermore, amendments have been made to the provisions regarding the payment of benefits in the event of an insured person's death before reaching the age of 60 or before receiving old-age benefits. A lump-sum old-age benefit will be paid to the designated beneficiary, or proportionally distributed among the insured person's spouse, parents, or children if no designation is made. The funeral allowance for Options 1 and 2 has been increased to 25,000 baht, and the death benefit for those who have contributed for 60 months has been increased to 8,000 baht.