Thai social security spending sparks outrage over lavish expenses
Spending by the Social Security Office (SSO) has generated significant public outrage for its luxury spending, which includes first-class flights, an 850 million baht web application, and 450 million baht for calendars.
The issue emerged when Rukchanok Srinork, a People’s Party Bangkok Member of Parliament (MP) and member of the House committee overseeing budget planning and expenditure, disclosed details of a 2.2 million baht overseas trip by SSO officials and a 100 million baht annual hotline expense.
The committee reported that the six-day, five-night trip for 10 individuals included two first-class tickets priced at 160,000 baht each, accommodation at a five-star hotel in Japan costing 16,000 baht per night, and transportation expenses of 35,000 baht per person.
Other notable expenditures include approximately 850 million baht for a web-based platform and a 450 million baht budget over eight years, primarily for procurement plans.
There has been significant backlash online, with many questioning the SSO’s spending on overseas travel and calendar production intended for public distribution. The necessity of the SSO’s visits to Britain has been a particular point of contention.
Frustration was expressed by some who never received the calendars, while others have called for the dismissal of high-ranking politicians and officials due to perceived inefficiency.
In response, Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the labour permanent secretary, assured that all activities were compliant with the law. He stated that the development of the SSO’s web application follows the Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act.
Boonsong emphasised that all procurement and budget expenditures are legally compliant, with approvals from relevant working groups, subcommittees, and the Social Security Board, reported Bangkok Post.
He explained that the 66% budget increase over four years was in part due to upgrading the web app with an 850 million baht allocation.
“Now, we’re upgrading the system for social security subscribers. We’re also transitioning from the long-used ‘Sapiens’ system to an in-house system managed by the SSO.”
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