Social Security Office Clarifies Budget for Board Elections
The Social Security Office clarified that its total budget for board elections is 275 million baht, not 30 million baht as reported to court, with the smaller figure covering only polling station setup costs.
The Social Security Office (SSO) clarified on July 30, 2569 that its total budget for the Social Security Board elections is 275 million baht, with the 30 million baht figure representing only the cost of establishing polling stations. Kanjana Poolkaew responded to criticism over discrepancies between the 30 million baht mentioned in a court filing and the 275 million baht in the overall budget allocation request.
The SSO explained that 30 million baht is merely a preliminary calculation for setting up polling stations based on registration data from July 15, 2569, and does not include other expenses or the additional registrations that occurred in the final five days. The full 275 million baht budget covers all aspects of the election project, including administrative costs such as an election command center, staff compensation, meetings, training, equipment, public relations, polling site preparation, and ballot transportation. This estimate assumes a 50 percent voter turnout.
Poolkaew confirmed that the difference in figures stems from different calculation bases. The number reported to the court was intended to compare the cost of setting up polling stations under advance registration versus accommodating all 12 million insured persons, not the total project budget. The SSO will adjust the budget details to match the actual number of polling stations established and will disburse funds according to the approved plan to ensure maximum efficiency and benefit for insured persons and employers participating in the election.
