Cabinet and MPs set for controversial pay rise

The chairman of the junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has given a green light to raising the salary of government and parliament members, saying the plan will retain ‘good people’ in politics.   

On 9 November 2016, Meechai Ruchuphan, Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), expressed approval for a proposal from the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) to increase the salary of the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and members of parliament.  

Under the NRSA’s proposal made last week, the increase should be on par with salary rates of executive heads of public organisations, who earn between 200,000-300,000 baht per month.

The CDC chairman told media that the increase may not rid the country of corruption as many believe, but it may assist in dissuading people in the government from engaging in corruption and retain “good people” in politics.

Meechai reasoned people holding government offices in Thailand are paid less in comparison to many other nations. He added that although Thailand is not a rich country, the economy is getting better.

Currently, senators and MPs are paid 63,000 baht with a 41,000 baht allowance each while each of the cabinet ministers earns 73,240 baht with a 42,500 baht allowance per month.  

According to the latest statement from Seri Suwannaphanon, the NRSA Chairman, the general Thai public does not seem to support the plan due to a lack of trust and confidence in politicians. The proposal is not yet finalised.

 
Meechai Ruchuphan, Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC)

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