The political dynamics of social security policy in Thailand before 1990

Abstract

The policy aiming to provide the basic needs for private workers that are retired, unemployed, or unemployable due to a disability or disadvantage, the so-called social security policy, was introduced for several times in Thailand since this country began its democratization process in 1932. However, the Social Security Act was enacted and effectively in force in September 1990. Why the attempt to initiate and/or implement social security policy before 1990 succeeded or failed in Thailand? Relying on the theoretical approach that views the state as a social relation, this paper argues that social security policy has not been initiated by one particular government either in response to the demand or support of the employers or social movements, nor even the interests of the government or one particular state agency itself. Rather, the development of social security policy in a particular time was part of a broader effort to deal with and manage the tensions and conflicts that have emerged as a result of Thailand's capitalist transition.