The government has asked for a delay in electing a new board for the Social Security Office (SSO) after it learned the cost could reach as much as three billion baht.
The decision came after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and representatives of the Labour Ministry over the election.
The issue was floated after the term of the SSO board ended in November last year and some groups of Social Security Fund (SSF) members requested a new one.
According to a 2015 amendment to the Social Security Act, the SSO board chaired by the labour permanent secretary is made up of representatives from the government, employers and employees.
The 14 board members will be elected from among 14 million corporate employee SSF members nationwide.
The election process must give consideration to participation from both sides -- employees and employers -- gender equality, and input from people with disabilities and the underprivileged. The law authorises the labour minister to work out the election method and regulations.
Labour Minister Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkeo said recently the election, if held, could cost as much as 3 billion baht. The estimated budget has drawn criticism, particularly when, under the new law, the term of the SSO board directors is only two years.
Mr Wissanu said Thursday the government was aware of the issue and talks were under way with the Labour Ministry to address it.
He said he was shocked when hearing about the estimated costs, which were as high as those for a general election.
"I have no idea why it would cost as much as 3 billion baht. That is an outrageous sum," he said.
Speaking after a meeting with the Labour Ministry representatives, Mr Wissanu allayed concerns, saying there was no need at this stage to proceed with the election.
The current SSO board, appointed in 2015 by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is assuming a caretaker role for the time being and the Labour Ministry will find the best option, he said.
He also hinted there could be changes to the election of SSO board members now the Labour Ministry is working on proposed further amendments to the Social Security Act. The proposed amendments are being put up for public hearings. "But the changes will guarantee just as much as participation from the employees and the employers. They will not adopt the appointment system," he said.
Suradech Waleeitthikul, secretary-general of the SSO, said the direct election of board members was floated following the enforcement of the legal amendment in 2015.
He said a former SSO secretary-general inquired about elections to the Election Commission (EC) which estimated the cost at three billion baht because SSF members were scattered across the country.
Mr Suradech said the SSO board has not made any decision on the issue and asked the SSO to find a less expensive method.
He said the SSO is studying the election methods adopted by other bodies including the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and holding talks with workers and employers.
Manit Promkareekul, a SSO board member who represents the workers, said he is opposed to the proposed direct election because it is not worth the cost and the SSO board is not vested with powers and responsibilities like the House of Representatives.
He said the previous election method which involved employer and labour unions and organisations is good enough. The regulations can be fine-tuned to ensure fair representation.
"That's too much, when the board will serve only two years. We must find an approach that is less costly and in compliance with the social security law," he said.
Labour representatives, meanwhile, disagree with the use of Section 44 to fix the issue.
When asked if Section 44 should be invoked to resolve the matter, Pol Gen Adul said the ministry would look into the issue.
Arunee Srito, a SSO board member appointed by Section 44, said the 500-million-baht election model proposed by the Employee Social Security Network is still costly and the money to fund the elections come from contributions by SSF members.
"Will we wait for the next amendment to get a new board or will we proceed now? There is no answer on this and there is no draft regulation on the election," she said.
Manas Kosol, leader of the Employee Social Security Network, insisted the government should not step in by invoking Section 44.
