SSO BOARD FACES ASSETS SCRUTINY

Social Security Office board members will be required to declare their assets as part of major legislative changes due to come into effect later this month.

Revisions to the Social Security Act will see the creation of a new panel which will vet the qualifications of candidates vying for seats on the SSO board.

The amendment makes it mandatory for board members to declare their assets and liabilities to the National Anti-Corruption Commission in the same manner as political office holders.

The requirement is designed to improve transparency in the board members’ selection, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.

The amendment was approved in its third reading by the National Legislative Assembly on June 22, and will come into effect on Oct 20.

The amended law also introduces enhanced social security welfare privileges, including monetary assistance for victims of medical malpractice.

Maj Gen Sansern said subscribers who have died or suffer from chronic illnesses will also be entitled to benefits even if they have not contributed regularly to the social security programme.

For the first time, coverage will be extended to social security members for disabilities that were considered selfinflicted, Maj Gen Sansern said.

All disabled subscribers would also receive lifelong payments, a change from the current system which bases the duration of benefit payments on the severity of a person’s disability.

Maj Gen Sansern said the changes would give subscribers with disabilities the same welfare protection standards as others.

He said the SSO will also provide compensation to workers who face job suspensions due to their companies being forced to temporarily stop operations by circumstances beyond their control.