Alert! Thailand Pushes Back Start of Employee Welfare Fund Contributions to 1 January 2027

Alert! Thailand Pushes Back Start of Employee Welfare Fund Contributions to 1 January 2027

On 14 October 2026, the Thai Cabinet approved in principle draft legislation to postpone the commencement of contributions to the Employee Welfare Fund “EWF” by three months, from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027. The Deputy Government Spokesperson cited that the relief is due to flooding and economic uncertainty have put on businesses and workers.

Nevertheless, the rates stay the same. Employers and employees each contribute 0.25% of wages from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031, rising to 0.50% each from 1 January 2032. Employers that have already registered will not need to re-register, and no contributions will be payable until the new requirements become effective.
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