Siena:The government insists there is no conflict with the newly elected Social Security Board and is prepared to cooperate under the established tripartite mechanism. Deputy Government Spokesperson Captain Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn addressed concerns raised by Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party, regarding the election process and the disqualification of candidates.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rakchanok highlighted her concerns about the Social Security Board election results, particularly regarding the delay in duty assumption by candidates until official verification, and the potential for disqualification. Captain Patthadarasmi agreed with the need for public scrutiny of the social security system but emphasized that legal judgments must be based on facts and not assumptions.
Captain Patthadarasmi clarified that the process for electing representatives is governed by specific regulations under the Social Security Act and the Ministry of Labour's guidelines. These regulations define the qualifications and disqualifications of candidates and outline the procedures for challenging and reviewing election results. An Election Committee oversees these processes, ensuring that disqualification decisions are not made arbitrarily.
The Deputy Spokesperson stressed the importance of distinguishing between initiating scrutiny and making presumptions about potential abuses of power. Any investigation into alleged disqualifications must be based on evidence and legal reasoning. The recent election saw approximately 830,000 participants, marking a notable increase in engagement compared to previous elections.
Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, congratulated the successful candidates and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to a non-interference policy. He emphasized the importance of following post-election procedures to allow the new board to fulfill its duties. The Ministry has also revised election guidelines to enhance participation opportunities.
Captain Patthadarasmi encouraged continued monitoring of the process by civil society, the media, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. He underscored the necessity of questioning state power within a democratic society, advocating for scrutiny based on facts and the rule of law, while maintaining trust through transparent government actions.
Ultimately, Captain Patthadarasmi highlighted the need for the social security system to operate in the best interests of insured individuals, ensuring that their voices are respected and that power is exercised rationally and lawfully.