Politician Challenges Minister Over Former Lawmakers' Pension Fund

On August 21, Dr. Worng Dechkitwikrom, list-system MP and Thai Pakdee party leader, addressed a special parliamentary committee meeting reviewing the 2570 fiscal year budget bill. The committee was considering a proposal by Wanmuhammadnor Matha to increase funding for the pension scheme serving former members of parliament and senate. Dr. Worng stated his firm opposition to the scheme, saying that legislators should not expect taxpayers to support them for life and that monthly pensions of around 20,000 baht constitute serious exploitation of public funds.

He argued that if former legislators face financial hardship, they should use state welfare cards or poverty assistance cards like ordinary citizens rather than claim special privileges. Dr. Worng said they already enjoy benefits superior to the general public, including 10,000 baht annual healthcare coverage and educational rights for their children.

Responding to Deputy Prime Minister Paradorn Pattanathabutr, who chairs the budget committee, Dr. Worng frankly acknowledged having previously received such payments but said he now feels conscience-stricken about lawmakers passing legislation to spend public tax money on supporting their peers. "I am not seeking attention," he declared, "I am responding to the people's demands. Those seeking attention are those who speak but do nothing. I challenge you, Paradorn, to debate this in parliament during session 2 with live broadcast."

Dr. Worng proposed that parliament or a credible polling organization conduct a nationwide public opinion survey asking citizens whether they support using tax revenue to pay monthly pensions of approximately 20,000 baht to former legislators for life. "This is taxpayers' money, not politicians' money, so you must ask the owners of the money if they agree. Do not try to settle this among yourselves in parliament. I am ready to debate this face-to-face in parliament so the people can decide," he said.