Welcome, members of the Social Work Professions Council. This year, the Social Work Professions Council has made changes in many areas, such as adding a continuing education system and a member system that is easier to use via the online website.
Message from the President of the Social Work Professions Council Prof. Rapiphan Khahom


History of the Social Work Professions Council

Background

         The Social Work Professions Council was established under the Social Work Professions Act B.E. 2556 (2013), which was announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette, Special Issue, Volume 130, Part 8 Kor, on 24 January 2013, and came into effect on 25 January 2013.
        According to Article 5 of the Act, the Council was formed with the objectives of:

  • Regulating professional standards and ethics,
  • Promoting and developing the social work profession, and
  • Providing public services related to social work.
         The Council holds the legal status of a juristic person. Per Article 8, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) serves as the Special Chairperson of the Council and exercises the powers and duties as outlined in the Act.
On 8 September 2023, the Council announced its official abbreviations and names as follows:
  • Thai Abbreviation (Domestic): สวชส.
  • English Name (Domestic): Social Work Professions Council (Abbreviation: SWPC)
  • Thai Name (International): สภาวิชาชีพสังคมสงเคราะห์แห่งประเทศไทย
  • English Name (International): Social Work Professions Council of Thailand (Abbreviation: SWPCT)


Office Locations of the Social Work Professions Council

         Initially, the Council received support from MSDHS and was housed within the Office of the National Commission on Social Welfare Promotion. It later moved to a temporary office at the Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University.
Subsequently, with ongoing support from MSDHS leadership, including Mrs. Yani Loetkrai, Mrs. Rarinthip Sirorat, Mr. Napha Setthakon, Mr. Withat Techabun, and Mrs. Chintana Chanbamrung, the Council was permitted to use space on the 2nd floor of Aditya Dibabha Building, located within Rajvithi Home for Girls.
Key office location announcements include:

  • 20 August 2013: Establishment of the Council's office at C.P. Tower 3 Building A, 7th Floor, 34 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.
  • 25 August 2014: Relocation to 255 Aditya Dibabha Building, 2nd Floor, Rajvithi Home for Girls, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.

Currently, with continued support from MSDHS, the Council is based at:
        255 Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development
        Thung Phaya Thai Sub-district, Ratchathewi District,
        Bangkok 10400
        Tel: +66 (0)2-050-9427
        Mobile: +66 (0)98-380-1351


Essence of the Social Work Professions Act

        Following the remark notes at the end of the Social Work Professions Act B.E. 2556 (2013), as stated as follow;
"…The rationale for enacting this Act arises from the recognition that the role of social workers has significantly expanded across multiple dimensions. Various existing laws assign social workers responsibilities in the prevention and resolution of social problems, particularly in relation to vulnerable populations, to enable them to regain their capacity to fulfill social functions and lead a stable life. Accordingly, it is deemed necessary to establish a professional body to regulate, promote, and ensure the quality, standards, and ethical practice of the social work profession. Therefore, the enactment of this Act is considered essential."
Key elements of the Act include:
        
A. Establishment of the Social Work Professions Council: to serve as the governing body responsible for overseeing professional standards, ethics, licensing, and the development of social workers.
B. Mandates of the Council: The Council is authorized to:
  • Set professional standards and licensing requirements
  • Develop service quality benchmarks
  • Develop training curriculum and modules to enhance professional competencies
  • Support research and academic initiatives to enhance social work intervention and practice
  • Protect the rights and benefits of social work professionals e
C. Council Composition
The Council comprises:
  • 50% representatives from public and non-governmental organizations employing social workers
  • 50% of qualified individuals elected by ordinary members
D. Ethics Committee
An Ethics Committee will be appointed by the Council to establish ethical guidelines and conduct investigations into reports of unethical conduct.