Approximately 500,000 workers in the social security system could be laid off in 2009, according to the Social Security Office (SSO)'s forecast.

SSO secretary-general Pan Wannapinij said on Sunday that about 380,000 people in the social security system were left unemployed last year.

If the government's economic stimulus plan works, the number of unemployed in the social security system should be around 500,000 but would not go beyond 900,000, Mr Pan said.

He called on all sectors, especially the agricultural sector, to create permanent jobs.

The SSO secretary-general said there are about 500,000 beneficiaries, but the figure could exceed 700,000 this year.