Report MP Calls for Probe into Thai Social Security Office’s Calendar Spending

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn has prompted public interest with his call for an extensive review of the Social Security Office's (SSO) expenditure on calendars, which costs 50 million baht annually. The call for scrutiny comes after an SSO online survey indicated that a majority of its members oppose this expenditure.

 

The controversy centers on the SSO’s longstanding practice of producing nearly 5 million calendars each year, reportedly without competitive bidding, a process intended to ensure financial transparency and efficacy. While over 60% of survey respondents expressed opposition to the calendars, around 30% were in favour, sparking ongoing debate about whether the calendars serve the actual needs of the insured members.

 

Concerned about possible misallocation of public funds, MP Wiroj urged a comprehensive investigation into various aspects of the project. He questioned the reasonableness of the number of calendars produced and their associated costs, whether procurement processes were followed properly, and insisted on probing any potential improper sales.

 

"If misconduct is found at any stage, criminal charges must be filed against all involved officials, and the case must be referred to the NACC (National Anti-Corruption Commission) for prosecution," Mr. Wiroj stated emphatically. In addition, he encouraged whistleblowers with evidence of corruption, favoritism, or profiteering to step forward.

 

Rukchanok Srinork, another MP from the People’s Party who has been examining SSO's financial activities, pointed out the unclear distribution channels. Many of the fund's subscribers have allegedly never received the calendars or been informed about them, raising further questions about transparency and effectiveness.

 

In defense of the project, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn emphasized the importance of considering minority opinions. He asserted that while 60% of those surveyed may not want the calendar, the 30% who do still hold valid opinions. "It’s true that 60% of them don’t want the calendar, but it’s not like the 30% who still want the calendar don’t have feelings," he highlighted, stressing the need for inclusive and equitable decision-making.

 

Minister Phiphat further clarified that the production cycle for these calendars requires long-term planning, with current public consultations intended to influence decisions for the 2027 calendar production. He urged respect for all voices within the Social Security Fund’s immense membership, which encompasses over 12 million people insured under Section 40 of the Social Security Act, including freelance and off-system workers.

 

The Social Security Fund, valued at 2.65 trillion baht, is Thailand’s largest public fund, tasked with offering welfare and financial security to 24 million members. As the debate unfolds, it underscores the need for transparent and accountable management of public resources to maintain trust and efficiently meet member needs. The outcome of these calls for investigation could potentially reshape policies around the management and allocation of Thailand's substantial social security resources.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-28

 

 

[mran66]

Would be interesting to know how many of the calendars included in the 50m baht quotation actually were printed and delivered... 

[wozzlegummich]

Follow the money. When the investigators find out who's pockets it's been going into, they will want their share.

[BangkokReady]

38 minutes ago, mran66 said:

Would be interesting to know how many of the calendars included in the 50m baht quotation actually were printed and delivered... 

 

Or how much 5 million calendars would normally cost.

[BangkokReady]

8 minutes ago, wozzlegummich said:

Then where they find out who's pockets it's been going into

 

Probably the director's wife's calendar business.