Dr. Warong confirmed that appointing only 3 assistants per MP and Senator saves taxpayers about 75,000 baht each month. Across all 700 MPs and Senators, this could save approximately 630 million baht annually.
At 11:00 a.m. on 21 May 2026 at the press room, 1st floor, Parliament building, Dr. Warong Dechkitvikrom, a party-list Member of Parliament (MP) and leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, along with 3 assistants and his team, held a press conference confirming the appointment of only 3 assistants per MP and Senator as a measure to save the national budget. He said that about a month ago, he announced the intention to appoint 3 assistants per MP as a model to reform the parliamentary system first, which would lead to national change. Appointing only 3 assistants per MP is a way to manage the country’s expenditure budget.
Dr. Warong affirmed that the 3 assistants have performed effectively since the start. Each assistant receives a salary of about 15,000 baht. Having only 3 assistants per MP saves taxpayers about 75,000 baht monthly, which amounts to roughly 900,000 baht per year per MP. Multiplying this by all 700 MPs and Senators, the country could save approximately 630 million baht annually.
Additionally, he commented on the fund for former parliament members, urging caution to ensure the fund's money is used efficiently. He noted that previous parliaments had a party-list MP resign, allowing the next person on the list to become an MP and receive benefits from the fund. The fund collects 3,500 baht monthly from each MP and Senator for five types of benefits:
1. Provident fund: Payments are made based on the length of contributions, calculated as a percentage of the last monthly position allowance.
2. Medical expense assistance: Coverage for medical costs as per regulations, currently approved up to 130,000 baht per year.
3. Disability assistance: Monthly payments of 15,000 baht to former MPs who become disabled.
4. Educational assistance for children: Scholarships provided for legally recognized children from grade 1 through a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, covering the first and second child.
5. Death benefit: A one-time payment of 200,000 baht to heirs when a former parliament member passes away.