Social Security for teachers in Thailand

If you are employed by a registered school or company in Thailand, you are normally enrolled in the Social Security Fund under Section 33 of the Social Security Act. It runs alongside private insurance and does not replace it.

Contributions

Under Section 33, employees and employers each pay 5% of monthly wages into the fund, and the government adds a share. Wages above a cap do not count. From 1 January 2026 the wage cap is 17,500 baht a month, so the most an employee pays is 875 baht a month, matched by the employer. The cap is scheduled to rise in steps in later years. The school deducts your share from your salary.

Your registered hospital

Each insured person is registered with one hospital, chosen from the Social Security Office's list. Treatment for illness under the scheme is provided at that hospital, or at hospitals in its network on referral. You can change hospital once a year, usually in a set period at the start of the year. Pick one near home or school.

Emergency treatment at other hospitals can be covered within limits, but rules apply, so read the Social Security Office's guidance or ask the hospital.

What it covers

medical treatment for illness at your registered hospital
some dental care, up to an annual amount
maternity benefits
sickness, disability and death benefits
child allowance
old-age benefits, paid as a pension or lump sum depending on how long you contributed

Some of these benefits need a minimum period of contributions before they apply.

Why teachers still buy private cover

Social Security hospitals are mostly public or private hospitals that join the scheme, and waiting times and English-language service vary. Many foreign teachers use Social Security for routine care, or not at all, and rely on private insurance for inpatient care at the hospital of their choice. Private health and accident policies can be held alongside it.

Leaving your job

If you stop working, you may be able to continue in the scheme voluntarily under Section 39 by paying your own contributions, provided you apply within the time limit. If you leave Thailand for good, ask the Social Security Office whether you can claim old-age benefits as a lump sum.

Written by the Charlie House editorial team. Last checked October 2026. Thai rules change often. Check with the school, the immigration office or the agency concerned before you act on anything here.