The outbreak of COVID-19 has led the government to implement increasingly strict measures, particularly the latest directive requiring many types of businesses to close for three weeks to help reduce the spread of the virus. The general public believes in this approach, thinking that "pain now is better than prolonged suffering."

However, those who are suffering the most from this situation, aside from small businesses or SMEs, are the employees of these establishments, including daily wage workers, who are hit harder than other groups in society.

When circumstances force you into unexpected unemployment, let’s explore what options you have to survive and continue your life in such challenging times.

1. Register as Unemployed with Social Security

If you are an employee under the social security system and have been suddenly laid off or your employer has stopped your salary, you should promptly register as unemployed with social security. You will receive compensation from social security, which is deducted from your monthly salary, and your employer contributes to it. The latest measures allow for compensation payments of 50% for a maximum of 180 days (calculated based on your last salary, up to 15,000 baht), meaning you could receive about 7,500 baht per month for six consecutive months (180 days).

2. Look for Temporary Work

During this time, most temporary jobs are in delivery services, which provide the quickest way to earn income. You can apply directly with service providers like Grab, Line Man, Lalamove, Food Panda, or even document delivery with Skootar.

3. If You Have Cooking Skills, This is a Great Time to Earn Extra Income

With the government’s measures encouraging people to stay home and buy food to eat at home, this presents a great opportunity for those skilled in cooking. Preparing meals for delivery to offices that are still operating, dormitories, apartments, or within neighborhoods is an interesting option. Besides savory dishes, snacks and beverages are also in high demand every day.

4. Take on Handmade Work

For those skilled in embroidery, sewing, or knitting, handmade crafts are always in demand and can be sold at any time. You can adapt your skills to create everyday items such as pillow covers, coin purses, knitted hats for children, or fabric bags with embroidery designs. These items can be sold continuously through social media. If you have a talent for handmade crafts, this is a great opportunity to turn your hobby into a source of income for your livelihood.

5. Take on Document Typing Work from Home

If you are proficient in Microsoft Office, whether it’s Word or Excel, there are opportunities for data entry work available year-round. While the income may not be substantial, if you perform well and quickly, work will come in continuously. Combined with social security payments, you should be able to survive until the COVID-19 situation improves.

6. Take on Work from Factories at Home

Taking on work from factories at home has been around for a long time. Going back to the era when clothing factories in Thailand thrived, taking home sewing work provided significant income for many families. Currently, factory work is still available and has diversified beyond just sewing. However, this type of work usually requires a deposit with the factory. The best approach is to contact the Department of Employment to obtain information about trustworthy employers.

SOURCE: www.tonkit360.com