The Social Security Office (SSO) is marching forward with its ambitious 2026 calendar initiative, aiming to serve not just as a schedule planner, but a dynamic communication tool for its insured members. However, this seemingly innocuous project hasn’t been a smooth sail, drawing sharp scrutiny over its hefty 49.2 million baht budget. Niyada Seneemanomai, the ever-diplomatic SSO spokesperson, explained that the project kicked off open for electronic bidding since July 21, with the grand vision of heightening public awareness while also offering handy contact information for this crucial agency.
In the face of raised eyebrows about the project’s cost, she assured that the Social Security Board had taken decisive action, asking the SSO to give their budget a second look and tweak production volumes if necessary, taking into account the input from various stakeholders. It’s a classic case of balancing aspirations with practicalities.
The funding pillow for this calendar venture is plumped up by the 2025 fiscal year, under the watchful eye of the board’s subcommittee on public relations and stakeholder engagement, which oversees its content and distribution. They’ve thrown in suggestions as well, like customizing distribution strategies to cater to regional insured members and weaving in dates that actually mean something to them—think contribution deadlines, vaccination entitlements, and even periods for switching hospitals annually. After all, a calendar should be more than just a pretty face; it’s about utility too.
Despite rumblings of discontent, with public consultations in April revealing that a substantial 62% of insured members and 66% of employers were pro-cancellation, the SSO is sticking to its guns. They’re emboldened by the fact that at least 37.58% of respondents favored seeing this project through. Ever the strategic thinker, the agency used the survey feedback to start grooming the 2027 calendar edition. A step ahead, as always.
But not everyone is wooed by these plans. Enter Rakchanok Srinork, a fiery Bangkok Member of Parliament from the Prachachon Party. With criticism sharper than a quill, she accused the SSO of slyly skating by scrutiny during a political transition phase, while also tossing accusations towards the Labour Ministry for playing possum over a potentially corrupt investment linked to the SKYY9 building. It seems like no good project comes without its share of scandal.
Although an investigation was given the go-ahead by the previous minister, Srinork pointed to suspicious delays and even whispered about potential evidence tampering or destruction, a serious charge reported by the Bangkok Post. Her call to the new labor minister was clear and urgent: act decisively and transparently. Failing to do so, she warned, would rock the foundations of trust from insured members and bring the ministry’s reform resolve into sharp question.
In the meantime, while the calendar pages are yet to be printed, the strings of the political stage have never been more taut, and the eyes on the SSO never more focused. It’s a future yet unwritten, but in Thailand, perhaps that’s where the intrigue truly lies.
49.2M baht for a calendar? That’s outrageous! The SSO could use that money for better healthcare services instead.
I agree, it’s a wasteful expenditure. But maybe there are costs we’re not considering.
I’d like to see what costs could justify that price tag. Feels like another case of misused public funds.
I understand the SSO’s goal to enhance communication, but in the digital age, aren’t physical calendars a bit outdated? Why not focus on a digital solution?
Exactly! A mobile app would be cheaper and more practical in delivering updates to insured members.
Precisely. It would also be environmentally friendly. I hope they consider this for the future.
The SSO seems to be quite disconnected from the public. If 62% of insured members and 66% of employers want the project canceled, shouldn’t they listen?
While the budget is high, it’s not uncommon for government projects to be over budget. It’s a problem of systemic corruption and lack of oversight.
It’s true. Rakchanok Srinork’s accusations about potential corruption are alarming. This needs more scrutiny.
It seems like Rakchanok is trying to score political points. We need evidence before jumping to conclusions about corruption.
True, but when there’s smoke, there’s often fire. The previous minister did authorize an investigation, after all.
Calendars are still used in many Thai households, especially in rural areas. It’s an essential tool despite being ‘old-fashioned’.
SSO’s planning ahead for the 2027 edition while the 2026 one is still controversial seems premature. They should resolve current issues first.
It’s typical bureaucracy, unfortunately. They need to show they can adapt based on feedback now, not in a year or two.
I believe the SSO should also promote awareness about upcoming contribution deadlines through more accessible channels. Calendars alone can’t reach everyone.
Why print millions of calendars? It’s so wasteful! Use that money to plant trees or something beneficial for the environment.
Absolutely, it’s high time organizations think of sustainable alternatives.
I think Rakchanok’s critiques are part of a larger effort to hold the government accountable. It’s refreshing to see activism in action.
Accountability is crucial, but we must ensure it’s based on facts and not just political posturing.
The way the SSO handles criticism can impact public trust significantly. They better tread carefully.
Involving stakeholders in reassessing the budget is a step in the right direction. Transparency is key to resolving these disputes.
Yes, but Niyada Seneemanomai should ensure the feedback loop actually impacts decisions.
Returning to the calendar’s cost, it might be interesting to compare it with similar government projects in other countries.
Not everything needs to be digital. Real calendars have a charm and consistency that apps can’t replace.
While I understand your sentiment, convenience often wins today. Most young people prefer digital solutions.
I want to know what insiders are saying about the SKYY9 building. This could be a cover-up that needs more attention.
There have been whispers about more than just the calendars. Dig deeper, and there might be a bigger story.