Dr. Warong Challenges Paradorn to Debate MP Pension Fund 2026
Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, challenges Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul to debate the MP and Senator pension fund of over 20,000 baht per month during the budget deliberation on August 21, 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom strongly opposes the MP and Senator pension fund exceeding 20,000 baht monthly.
- He admits to previously receiving the funds but now listens to public opposition.
- He challenges Paradorn Prissananantakul to a live debate in parliament during the second reading.
- He demands a nationwide public poll since taxpayer money is being utilized.
On August 21, 2026, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, a party-list MP and leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, voiced his firm opposition after the extraordinary committee vetting the fiscal year 2027 budget bill, featuring committee member Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, proposed funding for the former parliamentarians' fund.
Dr. Warong stated that relying on taxpayers for life is unfair to citizens, describing the monthly pensions exceeding 20,000 baht for former MPs and Senators as exploitative. He argued that if former lawmakers are truly facing financial hardship, they should utilize the state welfare card like ordinary citizens instead of using parliamentary privileges to claim tax money, especially given that former members already receive substantial benefits such as 10,000 baht in annual medical allowances and educational support for their children.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This friction arose after Paradorn Prissananantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and vice-chairman of the budget committee, criticized politicians attacking the fund as attention-seeking while pointing out they had also received such benefits. In response, Dr. Warong openly admitted that he had previously accepted the funds, but emphasized that he now possesses the civic conscience to listen to citizens who find legislation using tax money to support political allies unacceptable.
The debate surrounding parliamentary pensions and post-office benefits in Thailand consistently triggers intense public scrutiny regarding the allocation of taxpayer funds. As ordinary citizens navigate ongoing economic challenges, the transparency and ethical justification of financial privileges for former lawmakers remain a focal point of political friction, compelling public figures to publicly defend or renounce such allocations.
"I am not seeking attention, but acting according to the public's wishes. Those seeking attention are the ones who talk and do nothing. I challenge Mr. Paradorn to debate me in parliament during the second reading while it is being broadcasted live."
Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom
Furthermore, Dr. Warong called for a nationwide opinion poll conducted by reliable polling agencies or parliament to let citizens decide whether public tax money should fund monthly pensions of over 20,000 baht for life to former MPs and senators, stressing that the funds belong to the taxpayers rather than politicians.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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