MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Employers in Thailand Required to Purchase Health Insurance for Migrant Workers

Employers in Thailand are now reportedly required to buy THB 1,047 (USD 36) worth of health insurance each for migrant worker they employ who is in the process of entering, or ineligible for, Thailand’s social security system. Failure to do so, according to a statement attributed to the Director of the Health Administration Bureau, will result in employers not being allowed to renew their migrant workers’ work permits. Migrant workers who are ineligible for the social security system include workers employed as domestic helpers or engaged in fishery, livestock or farming. Migrant workers employed in other industries are permitted to enter the social security system after contributing to the social security fund for at least three months. In addition, employers are also required to buy THB 365 (USD 13) worth of health insurance for each of the workers’ children aged 15 or under. The extent of the benefits that the workers receive is not available.

As of February 2013, it is reported that there are approximately 2.5 million migrant workers in Thailand, 60 percent of whom are in the country illegally.

By Brian LeBlanc, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Information:

Asian Insurance Review article, http://www.asiainsurancereview.com/News/View-NewsLetter-Article/id/27302/Type/eDaily

Financial Times article, http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2013/02/26/thailands-migrant-worker-plan-an-unnecessary-headache/#axzz2QUR6Le8c

MicroCapital article, February 22, 2013, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: 7-Eleven to Sell Microinsurance in Thailand,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-7-eleven-to-sell-microinsurance-in-thailand/

MicroCapital article, February 11, 2013, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Thailand’s Srisawad Money on Wheels Scales Down Microlending to Fresh-market Vendors, Shifts to Truck, Tractor Financing,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-thailands-srisawad-money-on-wheels-scales-down-microlending-to-fresh-market-vendors-shifts-to-truck-tractor-financing/

MicroCapital Article, January 20, 2013, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Thai Government to Add $2.6b to Village and Urban Revolving Fund,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-thai-government-to-add-2-6b-to-village-and-urban-revolving-fund/

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