Dr. Warong Slams Proposal to Increase MP and Senator Pensions
Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom opposes Wan Muhamad Noor Matha's proposal in the 2027 budget committee, calling the 20,000 baht monthly pension unfair.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom strongly opposes increasing the former parliamentarians' pension fund.
- He argues that a monthly pension exceeding 20,000 baht exploits taxpayers.
- He challenges Phradorn Prissananantakul to a televised debate in parliament and calls for a national poll.
On August 21, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, party-list MP and leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, voiced strong opposition to the proposal made by committee member Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The proposal involves adding funds to the welfare fund for former members of parliament during the House committee meeting scrutinizing the 2027 fiscal year budget bill. He asserted that providing former MPs and senators with a lifetime monthly pension of over 20,000 baht is an exploitation of the public.
Dr. Warong further addressed arguments that some former lawmakers face financial hardship and cannot afford medical expenses. He stated that if they are truly struggling, they should use the state welfare card or welfare for the poor just like ordinary citizens, rather than invoking former politician privileges to draw taxpayer funds. Furthermore, former parliamentarians already enjoy higher welfare benefits than the general public, such as 10,000 baht per year in medical expense coverage and educational allowances for their children.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Regarding criticism from Phradorn Prissananantakul, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office and Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee, who claimed that politicians attacking this fund are merely seeking attention despite having received the welfare themselves, Dr. Warong candidly admitted that he had previously accepted the funds. However, he stated that he now listens to public sentiment, which views lawmakers enacting laws to fund their inner circle with public money as unacceptable.
"I am not seeking attention; I am acting in accordance with the public's wishes. Those seeking attention are the ones who just talk and do nothing. I challenge Mr. Phradorn to a debate in parliament during the second reading when it is broadcasted live."
Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom
The former parliamentarians' welfare fund has long been a contentious issue in Thai politics, revolving around the justification of using state budgets to support retired political figures compared to basic social safety nets for ordinary citizens. Political opposition to such funds often mirrors public frustration regarding inequality between state privilege and grassroots economic struggles.
Additionally, Dr. Warong called for a nationwide public opinion poll conducted by a credible polling agency to ask taxpayers whether they agree with allocating monthly pensions of over 20,000 baht to former MPs and senators for life. He reiterated his readiness to debate the issue openly so that the citizens can serve as the ultimate judges.
Source: Matichon Politics
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment