Lawmaker Demands Clear Social Security Debt Plan
A Pheu Thai lawmaker criticized the government's mounting 42 billion baht Social Security Office debt, demanding a formal repayment plan with specific timelines instead of vague commitments during June budget debates.
On June 30, 2569, Suhasawat Kumkong, Chachoengsao MP from Pheu Thai Party, debated the fiscal year 70 budget for labor affairs. He noted initial surprise at the 3.7 billion baht budget increase for the Labor Ministry, suggesting the government recognizes the importance of worker upskilling and reskilling in the global economy. While a 5% increase ranks third among all ministries, Suhasawat cautioned that closer examination reveals most additional funds went to the Social Security Office, receiving over 4.2 billion baht. He explained that of this amount, only 1.4 billion baht covered increased social security benefits from wage ceiling adjustments, while the remaining 2.8 billion baht represented additional government contributions. The government currently owes the Social Security Office 42 billion baht.
Suhasawat stressed the need for a concrete repayment plan, comparing this year's 7 billion baht in new debt usage favorably to the 18,000 million baht used during former PM Yingluck Shinawatra's administration. However, he called on the Labor Minister to secure Prime Minister approval for a binding debt repayment framework with specific annual targets and timelines, rather than merely consulting on the matter.
Critically, Suhasawat emphasized the government must repay both principal and accrued interest. He noted that while the government defers interest payments, the accumulated interest could be substantial if properly calculated. Interest earnings from investing the owed capital could significantly benefit the 24 million insured persons. He urged the government to compensate workers for lost opportunity costs.
Suhasawat also pointed out that the budget increase contradicts campaign promises on upskilling and reskilling workers. The focus on social security payments means the Labor Ministry's actual program budget decreased by 500 million baht, failing to address modern labor challenges or fulfill policy pledges. He concluded that despite universal campaign promises on worker development, the budget fails to reflect these priorities, particularly when labor ministry resources were already limited and now face further reductions.
