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Thailand's unemployment rate was only 0.7% in 2012, making it the fourth lowest country in the world for unemployment.

Unemployment in Thailand is managed by the Social Security Office.

Who is eligible for unemployment in Thailand?

Applicants must have made at least 6 months of contributions in the 15 months prior to claiming. In addition, applicants must:

Apply for registration of the unemployed at the State Unemployment Office within 30 days. Applicants must also be:

• Capable of performing the work and is ready to take on suitable job as offered
• Must not reject the job training.
• Must report to the Employment Office for not less than 1 time per month.
• Must not be entitled to old age benefit.

Workers who have been dismissed for misconduct may not be entitled to claim this benefit.

Unemployment Contributions in Thailand

Both the employee and employer contribute 0.5% of the gross monthly salary and the Thai government contribute 0.25% to the social security program. This benefit does not cover the self-employed.

Unemployment Benefit for Thailand

The rate is based on the highest 3 months earnings in the last nine months and is paid at 50% of the average daily rate. Benefits will only be paid when the individual has been out of work for 8 days or more.

Although available for expats who have contributed, care needs to be taken as they will have additional issues of their visa and work permit status and may in fact no longer able to stay in Thailand legally if your employment has come to an end.

How to Apply for Unemployment in Thailand

Applicants for unemployment benefits must

• Apply for registration of unemployment at the Office of Employment
• Complete the Registration of Unemployment Form together with the following evidence: The Citizenship Identity Card, One 1 photograph.
• Complete the Application Form for Unemployment Benefit together with the following evidence: Letter of Termination of Employment or a copy of the Notice of Leaving Employment (SorPorSor.6-09) or a letter or an order from the employer terminating the employment (if there is any), Copy of the first page of the Bank Savings Account on which the Account Name and the Account Number are shown.

The officer of the Employment Office shall then conduct an interview/inspection of the qualification and records of employment. The officer makes available job vacancies in 3 locations for the unemployed insured to choose. If a suitable job cannot be found, the officer of the Employment Office will coordinate the effort by sending the unemployed insured to receive vocational (skill) training as necessary. If the insured returns to work in the same place of business or refuse the work or job training provided and fails to show up as required, the Office of the Social Security shall suspend the payment of benefit immediately.

Again, note that even if an expat is eligible for unemployment, they may lose visa and work permit status and thus their right to legally stay in Thailand.