The political climate is heating up as the People’s Party (PP), the predominant opposition force, has set its sights firmly on the spending habits of the Social Security Office (SSO). With a spotlight firmly fixed on what they describe as lavish financial habits, the PP is stirring quite the talk down on the busy streets of Bangkok. The flames of discontent were ignited by Ratchanok Srinok, a vociferous Bangkok MP and sharp-eyed member of the House committee charged with scrutinizing budget tactics. In a bold move, she took to Facebook to spill some tea post a buzzworthy “Hack the SSO Budget” forum, leaving onlookers intrigued and concerned in equal measure.
Grabbing everyone’s attention with figures that made heads spin, Ms. Srinok clued followers into the SSO’s ballooning budget, which has done a commendable job of increasing its weight each year. From a respectable 4 billion baht in 2020, it has bulged to a whopping 6.61 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, its strategic budget practically performed a magic trick, doubling from 965 million baht in 2020 to a hefty two billion baht projected for 2024. Now, that’s an impressive feat, right?
At the center of this financial bonanza lies the notorious 1506 Hotline operated by the SSO. With a robust financial backing of 100 million baht, this hotline should be the much-needed lifeline for Social Security Fund (SSF) subscribers. However, subscribers greet an infuriating busy tone more often than not, with half of the budget allegedly vanishing into the abyss that is rental fees. One might wonder if there’s a gold-plated phone booth behind those dollars.
Ms. Ratchanok cast more than a suspicious side-eye at the 550 million baht allocated in 2023 for app development. Hold your eye-rolls, folks—much of that money fueled the leap from cumbersome computer systems to a web-based platform. Yet, whispers of unsavory irregularities in the procurement process taint the shiny launch of the “SSO+” mobile app. This expensive little piece of tech change reportedly needed 276 million baht to operate, but the results? It boasts a dismal user rating of just 1.5 stars, mainly because subscribers somehow can’t process payments with it! An app that’s all bark and no bite, it seems.
Moving on to the training budget—Ms. Ratchanok didn’t mince words about such funds being squandered on questionable programs. Who knew foreign language development could be so irrelevant? Redundancy reigns supreme when proper assessments are an afterthought.
The SSO’s public relations strategy isn’t winning any beauty contests, either. Ms. Ratchanok remarked on its dreary attempts at engaging their audience, with drab presentations and yawning appeal. In true underdog fashion, the most liked social security content seems to come from savvy independent creators, trumping the office’s tepid 336 million baht PR budget for 2024. Oh, the irony.
In response, Labour Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, who helms the SSO board, has stepped up to the podium, promising to shed some much-needed light on these burning questions. With hushed whispers insisting that all these large sums have little impact on SSF subscriber benefits, Mr. Thapchaiyuth is eager to reassure everyone that these expenses are isolated incidents, segregated from SSF’s core funds.
SSO secretary-general Marasri Jairangsri chimed in to highlight the ease of alternative payment options for subscribers, with a remarkable 96% of transactions handled via slick e-banking systems. Now that’s a comforting thought for anyone doubtful about where their transactions are directed.
Criticism over the SSO’s lavish spending habits isn’t new; it gained momentum after the Progressive Social Security group’s landslide victory in the December 2023 election to fill the employee sector on the SSO board. With all seven seats occupied by PP’s affiliates, they’re now parked next to government representatives and employers in the 21-member board. Get settled in, folks—this tryst between budgets and politics promises a thrilling ride!
It’s about time someone held the SSO accountable. These spending habits are outrageous!
I disagree, Sasi. Running such a large office comes with hefty costs. Everything can’t be done on a shoestring budget!
True, Ivan, but there should be transparency and efficiency. Gold-plated phone booths aren’t exactly justified!
Why does the hotline even have such a big budget when it doesn’t work half the time? This is ridiculous.
C’mon guys, what app these days can still boast a 1.5-star rating? SSO+ is a disgrace!
I once tried using it, but it wouldn’t let me log in. That budget is wasted for sure.
Exactly, Lenter! Imagine new subscribers trying to make sense of it. What a mess!
The app clearly needs an overhaul. But, with the right hires, it could function well.
I don’t understand why foreign language programs are irrelevant. Today’s world is global!
Becky, while knowing other languages is great, is it crucial for SSO’s daily operations? Priorities!
The PP’s criticism of the SSO would carry more weight if they provided alternatives instead of just finger-pointing.
Government spending needs serious oversight. I support Ratchanok’s bold stance. We need more MPs like her.
Anna, maybe, but is she really highlighting the issues, or just craving the limelight?
Joanne, regardless, bringing this into public debate is necessary. Transparency isn’t optional!
SSO spending twice the strategic budget in just 3 years? That’s unsustainable and concerning!
Does anyone else wonder why SSO PR costs more and yet interest is higher in local social media?
Sometimes, criticism is coloured by political bias more than fact. The funds might be needed elsewhere, but new systems aren’t cheap.
Enlightened1, it’s not just the cost. Lack of effectivity and transparency is the issue!
Understand, Critical2025, but there should be a balance between upgrading and scrutinizing costs.
SSO’s so-called app and hotline are where taxpayer money gets flushed. PP is rightly skeptical!
Overshooting budgets aside, the functionality and user experience clearly show a gap in priorities!
You’re right, Nimbus14. But such is public sector tech. Let’s hope they wake up soon.
Exactly, SailorSam. Accountability should translate into tangible service improvements.
Thoughts on PP doing this for political mileage? It’s an interesting debate point amidst the SSO scrutiny.
Absolutely, ShuYi. Political gains and public welfare often mix awkwardly.
Jack, regardless, this conversation on spending might introduce much-needed reforms.
Government spending will always have detractors. It’s about proving the returns on those investments.
Wonder how many cases like SSO are out there? Time for a broader look into governmental spendings.
SSO spends can indeed fuel other parts of the economy. But, mismanagement shouldn’t negate this potential.
Real problem is political finger-pointing without offering a feasible solution. A forward-looking approach is key.