A Study of Development of a Model of Semi-compulsory Social Security Coverage for Independent Workers

Abstract

This research had an objective to propose developing guidelines of a model of semi-compulsory social security coverage for independent workers as part of improving the quality of life for independent workers and self-employed people. It was conducted as mixed-method research including the Documentary Research, Field Study and Focus Group. The study participants were composed of 120 stakeholders including the elderly, self-insured persons under Article 40, volunteers, core leaders of the Article-40 Social Insurance Network in Nonthaburi province. The tool used to collect data was a questionnaire about the development of Article 40 semi-compulsory social insurance benefits whereas the data were then analyzed in terms of frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that in order to develop the semi-compulsory social security coverage for independent workers, the Social Security Office should choose the development of social insurance benefits under Article 40 so that people who are independent workers of all sexes, ages and careers are entitled to the rights. From mathematical analysis, social insurance benefit that can be developed is that for the death case only because it is a privilege that everyone must have. Again, for the social security coverage to be developed, in the beginning phase, it should be compulsory for 60 - 65 year independent workers and depends on voluntary consent for those aged 15 - 59 years. According to the results from the questionnaire, the elderly in the independent labor want to receive protection from the Social Security Office because it helps create social insurance for themselves and it is to make a careful plan for themselves not to be a burden to those who are behind when they die; moreover, those above 60 years of age are also confident that they can continue to make the contribution because they regularly have elderly allowance from the government. The development of a model of semi-compulsory social security coverage for independent workers also supports the government policy to provide the independent sector workers with the social security coverage and to reduce social inequality among individuals.