Thailand Opens Public Comment on Early Civil Service Retirement Plan
Thailand is seeking public input on a new early retirement plan for civil servants, with eligibility starting at age 50 or 25 years of service. The 15-day consultation period opened July 22 and has already drawn nearly 8,000 submissions.
The legal portal www.law.go.th, managed by the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and the Office of the Council of State (OCSS), has opened a 15-day public consultation on "early retirement measures for ordinary civil servants" from July 22 to August 5, 2025.
The measure stems from government policy announced to parliament on April 9, 2025, Section 21, which addresses civil service reform, strengthening fiscal discipline, and reducing redundant government functions. The proposal aims to streamline the public sector by introducing early retirement options and other measures, shifting the state's role from regulator to facilitator of digital transformation and efficient governance.
Key provisions under consultation include two eligibility groups: Group 1 covers civil servants aged 50 and above, or those with 25 years of service, with at least two years remaining; Group 2 covers those aged 40-49 with at least 10 years of service. The consultation also seeks feedback on allowing agencies to hire external staff for digital transformation projects and on performance evaluation reforms focused on public benefit.
Within just three days of opening, the consultation has already received nearly 8,000 submissions from interested parties.
