Democrat Party to Submit Social Security Bill Draft; Nattapong Points to Citizens and Insured Workers as Driving Force for Parliamentary Passage
The Democrat Party submitted a social security bill draft to Parliament, arguing that 20 million insured workers and public support are essential for passage, while calling for professional management of the fund independent of civil servic
On May 1, 2025, at Bang Pho intersection, Democrat Party members led by Nattapong Ruangpanya, party list MP and party leader Sirikanya Tanskul, deputy party leader Rakchanok Srinok, Sia Champathong, Thanaporn Wijanthorn, Sahasawat Koomkhong (Chonburi MP), and Panida Mongkolsawat (Samut Prakan MP), along with citizens, marched to Parliament House to submit the Democrat Party's social security bill draft.
Nattapong explained that successfully pushing the bill through requires public support, especially from the 20 million insured workers whose contributions form a fund larger than the national budget. These funds must be managed transparently and professionally with accountability to the insured workers.
Sahasawat highlighted that over the past year, Social Security Fund management has faced serious problems with no transparency about fund usage. He stressed that while contributions come from three parties, management remains under civil service control despite civil servants not being beneficiaries themselves. He argued that government officials lack the expertise for professional fund management, resulting in low returns and sustainability concerns. Sahasawat called for removing the Social Security Office from the civil service system and appointing professional managers.
When asked if the Democrat Party alone has enough votes to push the bill through, Nattapong stated that discussions with the government have been ongoing, but the crucial factor is the voice of insured workers. If the House approves it, Senate passage should face no obstacles. He expressed confidence that no political party would oppose legislation benefiting the people, as all parties campaigned on similar promises during elections.
Regarding reports of a 4 billion baht fund discrepancy, Sahasawat said his team continues investigating the Social Security Board and has not received clear clarification from office officials about how the data was incorrectly recorded. Without documentary evidence confirming the error details, the information remains unconfirmed. The Democrat Party is planning to formally establish a committee to investigate the matter.
