Labour Ministry Urges Employers to Register Migrant Workers for Healthcare Benefits
Proper registration ensures healthcare access and compliance with regulations for workers from neighboring countries.
The Labour Ministry of Thailand has issued a reminder to employers hiring workers from neighboring countries to register their workforce properly, ensuring they receive healthcare under the social security system.
This directive follows the Cabinet resolution from September 24, 2024, which emphasizes the importance of workforce monitoring and social security contributions.
Phumipat Mueanchan, spokesman for the Labour Ministry, explained that registration enables migrant workers to access healthcare benefits, contribute to the Social Security Fund, and comply with regulations, including paying income tax and refraining from professions reserved for Thai nationals.
The announcement comes amid criticism from the opposition People’s Party, which alleged that migrant workers face healthcare access challenges and are burdened by high registration costs.
Clarification on Registration Costs
Responding to allegations that workers must pay up to 20,000 baht for eligibility to work, Phumipat clarified that the total registration fee is 7,600 baht.
The breakdown includes:
- 2,900 baht for registration and a guarantee fee (1,000 baht is refundable after completing a two-year contract).
- 500 baht for the visa fee.
- 4,200 baht for a health checkup and health insurance, collected by the Public Health Ministry.
These measures ensure that migrant workers are integrated into the formal workforce system while adhering to Thai labor laws.
Online Registration and Simplified Verification
To streamline the process, the Labour Ministry now offers online registration for employers.
Additionally, Myanmar workers no longer need to return to their home country to verify their nationality.
Instead, they can visit one of three verification centers located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ranong.
Addressing Healthcare Concerns
The push for registration is part of the government’s efforts to align with international human rights standards by providing proper healthcare to migrant workers.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has tasked officials with ensuring compliance and monitoring to protect workers’ rights and well-being.
The ministry’s measures aim to balance economic contributions from migrant workers with fair treatment, addressing longstanding issues while improving workforce management and healthcare access.
This directive follows the Cabinet resolution from September 24, 2024, which emphasizes the importance of workforce monitoring and social security contributions.
Phumipat Mueanchan, spokesman for the Labour Ministry, explained that registration enables migrant workers to access healthcare benefits, contribute to the Social Security Fund, and comply with regulations, including paying income tax and refraining from professions reserved for Thai nationals.
The announcement comes amid criticism from the opposition People’s Party, which alleged that migrant workers face healthcare access challenges and are burdened by high registration costs.
Clarification on Registration Costs
Responding to allegations that workers must pay up to 20,000 baht for eligibility to work, Phumipat clarified that the total registration fee is 7,600 baht.
The breakdown includes:
- 2,900 baht for registration and a guarantee fee (1,000 baht is refundable after completing a two-year contract).
- 500 baht for the visa fee.
- 4,200 baht for a health checkup and health insurance, collected by the Public Health Ministry.
These measures ensure that migrant workers are integrated into the formal workforce system while adhering to Thai labor laws.
Online Registration and Simplified Verification
To streamline the process, the Labour Ministry now offers online registration for employers.
Additionally, Myanmar workers no longer need to return to their home country to verify their nationality.
Instead, they can visit one of three verification centers located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ranong.
Addressing Healthcare Concerns
The push for registration is part of the government’s efforts to align with international human rights standards by providing proper healthcare to migrant workers.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has tasked officials with ensuring compliance and monitoring to protect workers’ rights and well-being.
The ministry’s measures aim to balance economic contributions from migrant workers with fair treatment, addressing longstanding issues while improving workforce management and healthcare access.
