👥✨ WIEGO, in collaboration with the Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute and Homenet Thailand, has developed policy recommendations titled ‘I Want to be Protected’: Experiences and Perspectives of Informal Workers on Social Security in Thailand.
The project discusses the experiences of self-employed individuals insured under Article 40 through focus group discussions with home-based producers, street vendors, and motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok. Most participants reported needing compensation for loss of income due to illness or injury and secure income in old age. Additionally, workers suggested that the system should be improved to regularly update information on contribution history and rights, increase speed, and reduce complexity in claiming and accessing benefits. They also recommended enhancing the adequacy of benefits and expanding benefits in childbirth and child support cases. Furthermore, there should be efforts to publicize and raise awareness about the benefits and processes and assist workers in registering.