In a spate of budgetary scrutiny, the main opposition People’s Party (PP) has raised quite the storm around the Social Security Office’s (SSO) spending habits. The focal point of their discontent? Alleged extravagant expenses on overseas junkets, training programs that never seem to hit the mark, and a public relations strategy that’s more fluff than substance. If you think that sounds like a political thriller, hold onto your seats, because Bangkok MP and tireless watchdog, Ratchanok Srinok, is digging deep into the numbers.
In a fiery Facebook address following a satirically named “Hack the SSO Budget” forum, Ms. Ratchanok unwrapped six juicy tidbits of fiscal intrigue. She unflinchingly pointed out how the SSO’s budget seemed to have grown not just legs, but wings over the last few years. The spending spree skyrocketed from 4 billion baht in 2020 to a jaw-dropping 6.61 billion baht in 2023. That’s a two-year financial glow-up worthy of a Las Vegas showgirl. On top of that, the strategic budget marched from a humble 965 million baht to a whopping two billion baht by 2024. Talk about a strategic inflation!
If that’s not enough to stir the pot, the controversy over the SSO’s 1506 Hotline might just do the trick. Budgeted at a princely 100 million baht, you’d expect it to be the talk of the town. Alas, subscribers seem to have no qualms about expressing their “fondness” for eternally busy lines. Who knew that half of this year’s hotline budget would whisper sweet nothings — in rent payments, no less? Even Erich Segal didn’t envision love like this!
Then there’s the mystery of the 550 million baht “App-ocalypse” of 2023, where a transition from computer to web-based operations has everyone raising eyebrows. Was this digital rebirth necessary, or did it only serve to give developers something to smile about? Furthermore, the plot thickens around the “SSO+” mobile application, another financial head-scratcher rounding up an eye-popping 276 million baht. Rumours of murky procurement shadows loom large here, with a tragic 1.5-star rating confirming thing’s aren’t quite sunny in app land.
Not one to shy away from spitting some fiery critiques, Ms. Ratchanok also delivered a masterclass in budgetary admonishment aimed at the SSO’s training ventures. Language development, it seems, was more fluff than substance, a budget spent on jabberwockies. Meanwhile, the swanky public relations splurges simply chimed ‘boring’ — utterly failing to woo the younger crowd with their overly detailed drivel that only a civil service veteran could love.
Interestingly, the kings and queens of viral social security content turned out to be the independent creators, not the SSO’s staid efforts — despite a 336 million baht dive into the PR pool for fiscal year 2024. Somebody sniffed at the glimmering cache but forgot the sparkle.
Not to be left out, Labour permanent secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth swooped in with assurances. He promised a grand clarification musical to address all the spicy concerns Ms. Ratchanok threw in. Worry not, dear subscribers—the benefits will remain untouched, they’ll tell you with a poker face. Let’s not forget SSO secretary-general Marasri Jairangsri hopping onto center stage with news that e-banking is king, handling 96% of transactions with all the grace of your friendly neighborhood app store.
This whirlwind of criticism was kicked up right after the Progressive Social Security group’s triumph in December 2023’s SSO board election. They snagged all seven seats in the employee sector, tallying with the board’s 21-member ensemble of employees, employers, and government dignitaries. Buckle up, watchdogs and ordinary folk alike; the scrutiny is far from over.
This doesn’t surprise me one bit. Government institutions are always so reckless with taxpayer money.
It might be more complicated than just recklessness. Don’t you think there are often hidden agendas or a lack of transparency in these organizations?
Of course! That’s exactly the problem. But how do we fix it? Transparency seems like just a buzzword these days.
People need to vote out the ones who allow this to happen. Ratchanok is doing a great job exposing them.
I think it’s crucial to consider if such spending could have been invested in improving social benefits directly. The waste is infuriating!
I read that Ratchanok’s numbers might be exaggerated. Opposition parties love to sensationalize things.
But if even a fraction of those numbers are accurate, isn’t that still deeply concerning?
Sarah’s right. The impact of even small misappropriations of funds can ripple through the system.
Wow, that’s a lot of zeros for an app and a hotline. Do people even use these services regularly?
Apps and hotlines need maintenance and updates, but such high costs do seem outrageous without tangible benefits.
Maintenance, sure. But at those numbers, it feels more like a black hole for funds.
It’s a circus, honestly. When will these government bodies learn that they’re working for the people, not themselves?
To play devil’s advocate, sometimes extra expenses bring unseen benefits. It’s not always cut and dried.
Sure, but when those benefits aren’t clear to the public, skepticism from taxpayers is justified.
I’ve experienced the hotline bungle firsthand! It’s forever busy, like talking to my teenager with headphones on.
Haha, relatable. But seriously, maybe they need better tech support or a bigger call center.
Kickbacks and bloated contracts, it’s the same old story in every government scandal.
If we’re all so aware, shouldn’t there be a massive outcry to change this?
I worry the impact of such wasteful spending might be overlooked until it’s too late. How about an audit?
Let them spend on PR. They’re going to need it to clean up this mess. It’s laughable.
Or maybe invest in genuine improvements rather than just a shiny facade?
Can someone explain why independent creators do better on a shoestring budget compared to this heavily funded PR team?
Because creativity thrives under constraints and genuine connection can’t be bought. Corporate teams often forget that.
Would love to see these budget allocations. Are they public records?
The government keeps throwing money at problems without understanding the root cause or listening to users.
It seems like decisions are made in an echo chamber. Let’s hope Ratchanok’s efforts push for change.
SSO’s transition to web-based needs to be streamlined better. The app rating says it all.
True. Ratings can be quite telling of how disconnected the service is from user needs.