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Thailand Social Security Contribution Calculator
Your Thai social security contribution under Section 33, 39 or 40 at 2026 rates, after the wage ceiling rose to 17,500 baht and the cap to 875 a month.
Section 33 contributions by salary level
| Salary (baht) | Wage base used | Per month (baht) | Per year (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 10,000 | 500.00 | 6,000 |
| 15,000 | 15,000 | 750.00 | 9,000 |
| 17,500 | 17,500 | 875.00 | 10,500 |
| 20,000 | 17,500 | 875.00 | 10,500 |
| 30,000 | 17,500 | 875.00 | 10,500 |
| 50,000 | 17,500 | 875.00 | 10,500 |
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Thai social security divides insured people into three main groups according to how they work. Section 33 covers employees of a registered business. Section 39 is for people who were employees, have left that job, and want to keep their entitlements. Section 40 is for the self-employed. Each section calculates contributions differently and provides a different level of cover.
Foreigners working legally in Thailand under an employment contract are enrolled in Section 33 in exactly the same way as Thai employees, with the same contribution and the same entitlements. This includes medical treatment at your registered hospital, sick pay, maternity benefit, unemployment benefit and an old-age pension. A significant change took effect in 2026: the wage ceiling for Section 33 rose, which means higher earners now contribute more.
How it works
Section 33. Employees contribute 5% of wages, subject to both a floor and a ceiling. Anyone earning below 1,650 baht a month still contributes on the 1,650 baht floor; anyone earning above the ceiling pays the same maximum as everyone else above it. The employer pays a matching contribution, and the government adds a further amount on top.
The 2026 ceiling change. From 1 January 2026 the wage ceiling used to calculate contributions rose from 15,000 to 17,500 baht. Anyone earning 17,500 baht or more now pays a maximum of 875 baht a month, up from 750 — an increase of 125 baht. Anyone earning under 15,000 baht is unaffected, because their contribution is still calculated on their actual wages.
The increase is phased over three stages. From 2026 to 2028 the ceiling is 17,500 baht, giving a maximum of 875 baht. From 2029 to 2031 it rises to 20,000 baht, a maximum of 1,000 baht. From 2032 onwards it becomes 23,000 baht, a maximum of 1,150 baht.
Section 39. Someone who contributed under Section 33 for at least 12 months and left their job no more than 6 months ago can register under Section 39 to keep their entitlements. It uses a fixed wage base of 4,800 baht at a rate of 9%, so everyone pays the same 432 baht a month regardless of their actual income.
Section 40. For self-employed people who are not employees, with three options by level of cover. Option 1 costs 70 baht a month and covers three situations. Option 2 costs 100 baht and covers four, adding old age. Option 3 costs 300 baht and covers five, adding a child allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How much more do I pay in 2026?
If you earn 17,500 baht a month or more, 125 baht more — the maximum rises from 750 to 875 baht. If you earn between 15,000 and 17,500 baht, the increase is proportional to your actual wages. If you earn under 15,000 baht, nothing changes at all.
What do I get for paying more?
Benefits calculated from the wage base rise with it. That means a higher old-age pension, which is based on average wages, and higher payments for unemployment, sick leave that keeps you off work, and maternity — all of which are tied to the wage base.
Do foreigners working in Thailand have to join?
Yes. A foreigner employed by a registered Thai business under a work permit is enrolled in Section 33 on the same terms as a Thai employee, paying the same contribution and receiving the same entitlements. This includes medical care at your registered hospital and unemployment benefit. Pension entitlement depends on how many months you have contributed, and if you leave Thailand permanently there are rules on claiming an old-age lump sum — check the details with the Social Security Office before you go.
What is the difference between Section 39 and Section 40?
Section 39 is for people who were previously in the employee system and want to keep their existing entitlements. It requires at least 12 months of Section 33 contributions and registration within 6 months of leaving the job, and costs 432 baht a month. Section 40 is for self-employed people who were never employees. It costs much less — 70 to 300 baht — but provides correspondingly less cover.
What happens if I miss contributions?
Under Section 39, missing three consecutive months, or paying fewer than 9 months within any 12-month period, ends your insured status immediately and you cannot re-register. Under Section 40, missing payments means you are not covered for that period, but you can start contributing again.
Sources
Rates last verified 2 Sep 2026