Thai Labor Minister Pushes for Progress on 'CARE' Pension Reform
Minister Julapun Amornvivat is coordinating with the Council of State to expedite the legal review of the new 'CARE' pension calculation formula.
On October 22, 2026, Minister of Labor Julapun Amornvivat met with the Progressive Social Security team to discuss the status of the 'CARE' (Career-Average Revalued Earnings) pension reform. This initiative, which aims to adjust how old-age pension benefits are calculated, received cabinet approval in principle on July 14, 2026.
Currently, the draft ministerial regulation is undergoing a legal review by the Office of the Council of State. Minister Julapun stated that he intends to follow up on the progress of this review within the week to identify any potential bottlenecks. He emphasized that while his ministry is committed to accelerating the process, the timeline is subject to the legal procedures of external agencies.
For residents and workers in Thailand, this reform represents a significant potential shift in how future retirement benefits are structured. The transition to the CARE formula is a key policy goal for the newly elected Social Security Board members. However, the official implementation date remains unconfirmed. While there has been public speculation regarding a potential launch in January 2027, the Minister has not yet verified this timeline, as the proposal must first clear the necessary legal hurdles. Further updates are expected as the Council of State completes its assessment.
