Chuan Leekpai has requested the Budget Committee to reconsider increasing the elderly allowance to a uniform 1,000 baht, emphasizing that it would not be a financial burden. He also urged those defaulting on student loans (กยศ.) who are employed to repay their debts, expressing concern over the potential collapse of the fund.
On 1 July 2026 at 18:30 at the Parliament, Chuan Leekpai, a party-list MP from the Democrat Party, spoke during the 2027 budget debate. He noted that the 2027 budget allocates approximately 65 billion baht for elderly allowances, still paid on a tiered basis from 600 to 1,000 baht, despite significant changes in the economy, currency value, and social conditions. He proposed that the special committee reviewing the budget bill reconsider adjusting the elderly allowance to a flat rate of 1,000 baht for all. He emphasized that these seniors have worked hard throughout their lives—laborers, farmers, and plantation workers—without pensions like government officials, and thus deserve a dignified basic guarantee. Both former finance ministers, Abhisit and Korn, have calculated that this increase is feasible without imposing an excessive financial burden on the government.
Regarding the student loan fund (กยศ.), which he initiated over 30 years ago, he thanked the government for increasing this year's budget allocation to 9 billion baht. However, he expressed concern over the fund’s revolving capital outside the budget, now exceeding 700 billion baht, facing problems with borrowers who are employed but refuse to repay their loans. He urged relevant agencies to publicize and encourage these borrowers to repay to sustain educational opportunities for future generations. Concerning the government leaders’ declaration in parliament to eradicate bribery and unfair treatment of citizens, he welcomed this promise and urged all national leaders to uphold honesty and integrity. He believes that those who act dishonestly after making commitments in the sacred parliamentary setting will face consequences.