Govt targets 1-year timeline to grant delivery riders social security access

The government is moving forward with a plan to unlock social security benefits for food and parcel delivery riders within one year, aiming to provide essential welfare to workers who face daily risks on the road without basic labour protections.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Capt. Dr. Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced today that the administration has acknowledged the demands of the Platform Workers Federation. The government recognises the hardships faced by riders who navigate hazardous traffic daily but remain excluded from standard labour protections and equal welfare due to existing legal loopholes.

Under current regulations, most riders are classified as independent contractors. This status deprives them of formal labor law protection and leaves them without access to vital welfare benefits when they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

To address the issue, the Ministry of Labour has established a special task force. Representatives from rider groups and civil society have been invited to join the panel to ensure that the authentic voices of the workers are heard.

The task force has been ordered to review how various categories of platform workers can be integrated into the social security system.

Patdarasm emphasised that, if certain groups are found to be legally ineligible under the current framework, the government will amend the laws to unlock their social security rights.

The spokesperson reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering on this policy with a clear timeline, stating that concrete changes must materialise within one year to improve workers' quality of life and to support the sustainable growth of the country’s digital economy.