In a move that promises to reshape the future of Thailand’s labor sector, People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork recently joined a gathering of social security subscribers at the bustling Social Security Office. The atmosphere was ripe with anticipation as they awaited the office’s decision to enhance pensions for a vast majority of its members, beginning their new year on an optimistic note. But amid this positive development, a shadow loomed over the Social Security Office (SSO), triggering the government to embark on a much-needed quest for transparency.
The plot thickens with allegations from the opposition People’s Party, claiming the SSO extravagantly spent a staggering 7 billion baht on acquiring the SKYY9 Centre along the bustling Rama IX Road. The controversy arises from claims that the actual appraised value of this property barely reached 3 billion baht. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a figure no stranger to the political limelight, emphasized the importance of upholding the nation’s interests, ordering Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to establish an inquiry panel. “We are committed to transparency – it’s not just a duty, it’s our priority,” she confidently declared.
Responding with prompt action, Mr. Anutin, who holds the title of Deputy Prime Minister alongside his role as the chief inspector of the Labour Ministry, promptly signed an order to form this crucial panel. Heading the investigation is Unsit Sampuntharat, the permanent secretary for interior, who is tasked with ensuring an unblemished airflow of justice. Anutin’s detailed explanation pointed fingers at the Labour Ministry’s former secretary-general, who now sits at the helm as the permanent secretary for labor, as a person of interest in this fiscal puzzle.
Alarms were also raised about the overshadowing of specific questionable expenditures by the SSO. Rukchanok Srinork voiced particular skepticism about expenditures, including a lavish 2.2-million-baht overseas excursion for SSO dignitaries and a hefty 100-million-baht annual toll for operating the SSO’s ever-ringing hotline. Even seemingly innocuous expenses, such as a budget-busting 450 million baht spent on calendars, caught her meticulous eye. However, it was the SKYY9 Centre acquisition that seemed to be the cherry atop this alleged fiscal folly.
Sahassawat Kumkong, another People’s Party MP with clout in Chon Buri, did not mince words. He highlighted that Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the current permanent secretary for labor, was conveniently seated as the SSO’s secretary-general during the puzzling purchase. Meanwhile, the SSO’s current secretary-general, Marasri Jairangsee, rose to defend the integrity of this fiscal maneuver. Through her lens, the investment was nothing short of strategic brilliance, conducted through the realm of Private Equity Trust, regulated painstakingly by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Independent estimators deemed worthy by the SEC pegged the building’s price at a substantial 7.3 billion baht, offering a stark contrast to that initial appraisal during the long-gone days of the Tom Yum Kung financial chaos in 1997.
The SSO, a formidable machinery behind the Social Security Fund – Thailand’s colossal 2.65 trillion baht public treasure, serving the welfare needs of 24 million members, found itself in an unenviable position of defending its strategic allocations. Interestingly, it proudly cajoled itself for allocating a mere 3% of its contributions for administrative purposes, markedly less than the permissible 10%. As these clouds of suspicion hover, eager eyes await the inquiry panel’s findings, yearning for a truth that might bring impeccable transparency to the heart of Thailand’s financial ecosystem.
The idea of a government ‘inquiry panel’ ironically being a cover-up sounds suspicious at best. What are we not being told?
Totally agree. It’s like when the fox investigates the henhouse. Same old story, different country.
Come on, let’s give them a chance. Perhaps this time there will be transparency.
If we start doubting every inquiry, what’s left? We need to give them room to act.
Fair point, but skepticism is healthy when trillions are involved!
How can they justify spending so much on calendars!? Honestly, it’s outrageous.
It’s not about the calendars; it’s about systematic corruption. Simple activities to mask bigger issues.
Does anyone else think there’s more to the SKYY9 buy than we’re being told?
It’s always about who benefits from the overspending. Follow the money trail.
Exactly! Trace the transactions and you’ll find the truth.
It’s like they said, independent estimates think it’s valuable. Perhaps we’re missing something?
People’s Party seems like they’re trying to make waves, but will it lead to real change?
Politicians often shout loud and change little. Seen it a million times.
Call me a dreamer, but I want to believe something positive will come of this.
Can you imagine 2.2 million baht vacations? No wonder they took them.
I’m curious about where they went and who approved these trips!
Well, wouldn’t we all want such perks in our jobs, unethical or not?
Enough with the complaints! These expenses are a small part of a large operation.
Transparency slogans are cute, but actions speak louder than words.
Why is the Labour Ministry incredibly involved if this is a Social Security issue?
Corruption impacts everyone. Is the government doing enough? I doubt it.
Hope the new year brings changes. Transparency is long overdue.
Too much buzz around this. The inquiry will probably fizzle out like always.
Maybe, but every buzz brings more attention. Might be the start of change.
Instead of empty promises, someone needs to hold them accountable.
Have politicians been straightforward truthful? Expect manipulation.
Sadly, Kyle sums it up well. Cynicism is our reality.
If we keep this mindset, progress stalls. We, the people, need to push for change.
I had a hunch years ago their investments were dodgy. Numbers don’t lie.