Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively promoting a new bill intended to enhance protections and welfare for Thailand's approximately 20 million informal workers.

Ministry spokesman Phumiphat Mueanchan revealed plans for discussions with the cabinet's secretary-general to expedite the bill's presentation for cabinet approval.

Informal workers, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, are not currently recognized under existing labour laws, exposing them to a variety of challenges, including workplace hazards and limited access to funding.

The bill proposes mandatory registration for informal workers, which includes professions such as delivery service riders, farmers, vendors, actors, and digital content creators.

This registration will facilitate policy development and appropriate budget allocation for their welfare.

Although the cost specifics are unknown, formal registration will increase the visibility of these workers within governmental systems, enabling more targeted support.

A ministry initiative is currently underway, involving local community leaders and labour volunteers, to promote registration awareness.

Over 17,000 individuals have shown interest in registering, with an expectation of up to 9 million registrations in the first year alone.

Originally submitted during former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's tenure, this bill, along with nine other labour-related legislations, has been reaffirmed following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's installment.

Following cabinet approval, the bill will proceed to parliamentary review.

Endorsed by the Council of State, the proposal classifies informal workers into self-employed and partly-dependent categories, such as delivery riders.

It also introduces a fund to assist these workers.