Bangkok:Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan has announced that the criteria for early retirement for civil servants have been finalized, with the aim of reducing retiree numbers by 30,000 over a five-year period.
According to Thai News Agency, the plan is set to be implemented before October 1, 2027, with a proposal expected to be submitted to the Cabinet in mid-November. The criteria allow for a retirement package up to 15 times the initial retirement age, although the exact calculation formula and salary cap are yet to be fully detailed.
Pakorn explained that the age eligibility for early retirement is currently set at 50 years and older, but could extend to those aged 40 and above if the program does not meet its quota, under specific conditions. He also noted that participants will be required to sign an agreement not to return to government service, although repayment terms may apply if they do.
The initiative plans to reduce civil service positions in a manner that balances efficiency with a focus on integrating digital systems. Pakorn emphasized that while the project initially targets civil servants, similar programs for military and police personnel are already in place.