The Social Security Office responded that it has done nothing wrong and sees no need to issue a public statement, as all actions comply with regulations. Prime Minister Anutin ordered the public to be informed and deferred detailed explanations about reducing the public's power to elect the Social Security board from seven members to one to Minister Treenuch.
27 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview regarding his discussions with Minister of Labour Treenuch Thianthong about the Social Security Office. He said that earlier this morning he invited Minister Treenuch, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, and the Social Security Secretary-General to inquire about the situation, since he had never received any reports about problems or serious issues before.
All parties confirmed that the information did not match the news reports. He said he insisted that they must speak publicly and not just provide limited information; a press conference should be held so journalists could ask questions and have all doubts addressed. However, the officials believed they had done nothing wrong and therefore saw no need to hold a press conference, as all procedures had been properly followed. He added that this period is a caretaker government phase and parliament is dissolved, so if it is a matter of the agency, it should be clarified publicly. He noted that after the Social Security board meeting, the Permanent Secretary and the Secretary-General would hold a press conference.
When asked by reporters for any recommendations, the Prime Minister said he suggested internal agency operations. The only issue is that some perceive the agency as government-controlled because the Secretary-General is a permanent civil servant. Operationally, the board and the tripartite committee, consisting of three parties, govern the agency, and no one can give direct orders. The morning discussion was constructive. If his party returns to power and oversees this area, they will consider ways to ensure clarity, transparency, and independence, possibly by adopting a pension fund model similar to that of government officials (GPF), rather than transferring civil servants from various departments to serve as Secretary-General. Since the agency is board-governed, a method of selecting members might be implemented, which he is currently considering.
Regarding whether the agency should leave the civil service system and be managed by the private sector, the Prime Minister said he is still considering options but no action will be taken now, as nothing can bind future governments since parliament is dissolved. Asked about debates over the Social Security board formula that reduces public voting power from seven to one member, the Prime Minister said he has not examined the details and suggested asking the Minister of Labour.
On the issue of the Prachachon Party using this topic to attack the government, the Prime Minister said it is generally known that one faction of the board has support from that group and has been in place for two years with considerable influence, as far as he knows. Operations depend on the board, and this is not a government matter; the government has never interfered.
Regarding recent controversies highlighting flaws in the Social Security Office, the Prime Minister asked for examples. Reporters cited instances such as first-class flights for work trips and tailoring suits. The Prime Minister immediately responded, "This is what they say," then continued. He noted that former Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has already clarified he never flew first class; such accusations are baseless. When false information is used to accuse, that ends the matter. It is not that some claims are false but some true; if true, evidence should be presented. Any real violations should be reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) under Section 157 and fully investigated.
He continued that baseless accusations are pointless because internal punishment is not possible; the country has a justice system. Those who err must face the NACC. No guilty party has ever escaped punishment. Innocents clarify allegations, but accusations spread on social media, online media, and political speeches lead to back-and-forth blame without resolution, resulting in public quarrels that serve no purpose.
When asked if the party would form a team to counter mudslinging during the campaign, Anutin responded, "This time, we will remain calm and quietly approach the people for another two weeks. Bhumjaithai Party has never been part of conflicts, dislikes conflicts, and never responds to provocations. During campaigns, the party focuses on its policies and does not mention others. Yet some parties spend 50 minutes insulting Bhumjaithai but only 10 minutes discussing themselves. What benefit does that bring to the people? We campaign to present our policies, not to attack other parties. We have never done that and don’t understand why others behave that way."
When asked if Bhumjaithai would unveil other management teams beyond the economic team, Anutin said he had already spoken fully and that his focus is on national security and administration. When asked if he would also take on the Ministry of Defence, he laughed and said, "Wait until 8 February (election day) first. Don’t think about other things now. Let’s take it step by step like the 'half-half' scheme. Before reaching that point, I must get through the election phase first. Then we will see what happens. The results will determine my future actions. Talking now is not useful."