The Social Security Office (SSO) has set aside a budget of 207 million baht for its first-ever Social Security Board members' election on Dec 24, according to its security general, Boonsong Thapchaiyuth.
Under the Social Security Act, the board acts as a moderator between the government and the Social Security Fund (SSF) to manage the fund for members.
By law, the board consists of related ministries -- such as labour, finance, interior, and public health -- the Budget Bureau, and employers and employees.
Previously elected by labour unions, but presently made up of appointees of the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order, this election is for SSF members and employers to select seven representatives apiece to serve on the board.
Niyada Senimanomai, SSO inspector general, said 14 million out of more than 24 million SSF members will be eligible to vote, although expats and those who did not complete their fund submission are barred.
Prospective candidates can register on the SSO website from Wednesday until Oct 31, said Mr Boonsong.
The election is a result of the 2015 Social Security Act, which made the SSO an independent organisation, said Chalee Loisung, deputy leader of the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC), adding that a more transparent SSO administration would help to prevent political interference.
Some of those advocates are expected to register as board candidates representing the employee side so they can continue their work for labourers' rights.
Manas Kosol, president of the Confederation of Thai Labour (CTL), said he expected members of the CTL to be elected for the board, as they can continue drafting plans for a labour-specialised bank to help those who cannot get loans from commercial banks.
Members from the Progressive Social Security Team, the Move Forward Party (MFP)-driven labour team, also said they looked forward to registering as candidates.
Suthep Ou-oun, a listed MP from the MFP "labour wing", said the party leader agreed to support registrations in order to capitalise on the party's landslide victory in the May 14 general election.
The Migrant Working Group's Siwawong Sukthawee, another candidate from the Progressive Social Security Team, said he disagreed with preventing expat workers from voting.
Soontri Hatti Sengking, vice chair of Homenet Thailand, a foundation for the development of labour, urged SSF members to cast their vote and make their voices heard.