A single MP from the Thai Pakdee Party surprised many on the first day of parliament yesterday by proposing the cancellation of free lunches and pensions for MPs, as well as a reduction in the number of MPs’ assistants to save taxpayers’ money.
Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom raised the proposals on the parliamentary floor yesterday, the first day of the new session, during which the House voted for the Speaker and deputy speakers of the House of Representatives of Thailand.
The doctor, a veteran MP, urged the new Speaker to consider cutting food allowances for MPs and reducing the number of assistants from eight to three each.
He said the proposal falls within the authority of the Speaker, who could issue an appropriate regulation without needing to seek opinions or a vote by members of parliament.
Warong said he believes the public would support the move.
According to 2023 data, spending on free lunches for MPs totalled about Bt108 million, which he said is very high considering there are 500 MPs.
The amount is divided into Bt72 million for the House of Representatives, Bt34 million for parliamentary committees and a little over Bt1 million for the opposition whip.
Warong said he understood and accepted meal expenses for committees and the opposition whip because meetings often invite outside experts or other individuals to provide information and food should therefore be provided.
Such meals can, however, overlap with food prepared for plenary meetings.
He added that, according to information from the House of Representatives and international comparisons, in many countries MPs pay for their own meals.
If Thailand adopted a similar practice, it could reduce MPs’ meal expenses by at least Bt72 million.
He also noted that food often goes uneaten because not all MPs attend parliament every day. Parliament officials are often urged to take the leftovers home while, in many cases, the food ends up being wasted.
Regarding MPs’ assistants, Warong said the current system allows each MP to have eight assistants and specialists.
Those with the title of “specialist” receive a salary of about Bt24,000 per month, while advisers and assistants receive around Bt15,000.
Starting on October 1, salaries for these positions are scheduled to increase, with advisers and assistants rising to Bt18,000 and specialists to Bt28,000.
Warong said that, when compared with countries that have political systems similar to Thailand’s, MPs are typically allowed only three assistants. Reducing the number from eight to three could therefore save taxpayers up to Bt540 million annually, he said.
Another issue that continues to concern the public is the pension fund for MPs, which is partly funded by taxpayers’ money. Warong said he personally believes this arrangement is unfair to the public.
He expressed hope that the new Speaker would consider the proposal. As the new parliamentary session has only just begun, he said implementing the measures now is likely to gain broad public acceptance.
