Starting from October 1, 2025, Thai workers will have a new form of “security” that enhances stability in their working lives — the “Employee Welfare Fund,” which will be enforced under the new law. This fund is designed to provide assistance to employees who are unfairly terminated from their jobs.

Section 126 of the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) mandates the establishment of the Employee Welfare Fund under the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to employees in cases of termination, death, or other circumstances as determined by the Employee Welfare Fund Committee.

Where does this fund come from?

The main source of funding for the Employee Assistance Fund comes from contributions that employers are required to pay into the fund at a rate specified by law. This represents a shared effort to provide security and stability for all employees within the system.

Employer’s Responsibilities

• Employers with 10 or more employees are required to enroll their employees as members of the fund
• Submit the employee list form and other details (Sakol 3/Sakol 3/1)
• Submit the change form for the employee list and other details (Sakol 3/2)

(In the case where the employer has already submitted the form under the Social Security law, it will be considered that the employer has already submitted the above-mentioned form)

• Deduct 0.25% of the employee's wages to be contributed as accumulated funds
• Other duties

          - Notify the employer of any changes in the facts

          - Specify the individuals eligible to receive the funds (Sakol. 5)

Exceptions where employees are not required to become members of the fund

• Businesses with fewer than 10 employees
• Businesses where the employer provides employees with membership in a provident fund
• Contribute 0.25% of the employee's wages