'Anutin' reveals he summoned 'Trinuch, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office' to clarify the social security issue. He insists the government cannot interfere with the board.

Today (Jan 27) at Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed various issues concerning social security contributions. He said that before the Cabinet meeting, he invited Ms. Trinuch Thianthong, Minister of Labour; Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kocharak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; and Ms. Kanjana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, to inquire about the news reports because he had never received any reports of such a serious problem. Everyone confirmed that the information was not as presented in the news. He said that he told them that he couldn't just talk to them; they needed to make a public statement, allow the media to ask questions, and answer all concerns. The government agencies believed that they had not done anything wrong or suspicious, and therefore saw no need for a press conference, as they believed they had acted correctly according to regulations. But he told him that he was in charge of the caretaker government during the dissolution of parliament. If it was a matter concerning any agency, they should come out and clarify. However, he said that after the Social Security Board meeting today, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and the Secretary-General of the SSO would make a statement.

When asked by reporters about suggestions for resolving problems related to the Social Security Fund, Mr. Anutin said that it is an operation within the Social Security Office. The only drawback is that it makes people think it is an agency under the government, because the Secretary-General of the SSO is a permanent civil servant. The operations are under the control of a committee composed of three tripartite parties, and no one can order them around. As for what was discussed this morning, it was a good point, and if they have the opportunity to continue working and oversee this area to ensure clarity, transparency, and full independence as much as possible, they might do it like the civil servant pension fund model, instead of transferring people, because the Secretary-General of the SSO has previously been a director-general of this department or a permanent secretary of a ministry. Therefore, since it is already a committee structure, using a selection process is something that can be considered now.

When asked by reporters whether this idea could be used for election campaigning, Mr. Anutin said, "It's too late. This is something that can be implemented. It doesn't mean that everything we do has to be a campaign policy. If the time comes when we can work and it is beneficial, and it is something that we must do, then we will do it." It's not that we won't do it because it's impossible. It wasn't a campaign promise; it's a separate issue.

Regarding the private sector management of the Government Pension Fund and whether the Social Security Office will separate from the government system like the Government Pension Fund, Mr. Anutin said, "Wait a minute." I'm thinking about it for now. But for now, there's no need to do anything because it's impossible right now. It wouldn't bind another government or its budget or policies. And it hasn't been possible since the dissolution of parliament.

Concerning the People's Party using the issue of Social Security Fund management in their campaign, Mr. Anutin said, "It's generally known that there's a faction on the Social Security Board that comes from the support of this group and has been there for two years. They have considerable power. As far as I know, all operations depend on the government board. Actually, it's not a government matter, and the government has never interfered."

Regarding the allegations reflecting taint on the Social Security Office, such as the claim of flying first class, Mr. Anutin said, "That's what they said. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, in his capacity as former Minister of Labour, has already clarified that he never flew first class. It's a baseless accusation. When accusations are made with false information, it's over; there's nothing more to it.

"If there's anything, reveal it. If anything is true, if anything is against the rules, you must file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, alleging that they violated Section 157. Take full action. But don't accuse each other; it's pointless. We can't punish each other. The country has a justice system. Whoever is guilty goes there. No one who is guilty escapes punishment. Those who are innocent can explain the accusations. But accusing each other on social media and online platforms, and throwing accusations back and forth during speeches, will only lead to them throwing accusations back. It will never end and become a public quarrel," Mr. Anutin said.

Regarding whether the Bhumjaithai Party needs to set up a team to investigate those who campaign with mudslinging that damages the party, Mr. Anutin said, "Take a deep breath, stay calm, and reach out to the people. In two weeks, the Bhumjaithai Party has never been a part of any conflict; we don't want conflict, and we hate conflict. We never retaliate or argue with anyone. When campaigning, we only talk about the party's policies. We never talk about other parties. Some parties campaign by criticizing the Bhumjaithai Party for 50 minutes and talking about their own party for 10 minutes. What does the public gain from that? We campaign to sell the party's policies to the public, not to criticize other parties. We never do that." We don't know why he thinks that.

When pressed on whether the Prime Minister would also hold the position of Minister of Defense in the next government, Mr. Anutin said, "Let's get through January 8, 2026, first. Don't think about anything else. I see it in phases, like a 'half-half' situation. Right now, we have to get through the election phase first. After May 8th, whatever the results are, we'll know what we need to do in the future."

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