Julpan Amornwiwat explained in detail that there is no intention to delay or postpone the Social Security Board election, pointing out that the process is currently locked due to the administrative court's injunction suspending law enforcement. He revealed preparations to send a letter to the court seeking a resolution.
On 5 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Julpan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, spoke about the case where the Progressive Social Security group filed for temporary protection at the administrative court, which accepted an emergency hearing at 14:00. He insisted that neither anyone nor the Ministry of Labor intends to delay or postpone the election, emphasizing the importance of having a fully empowered board to manage and direct the Social Security Office. He noted that the prolonged use of an acting board has caused operational disruptions.
Julpan explained the legal issue: when a party filed with the court and the court issued an injunction suspending enforcement of the registration process, it caused the registration to halt pending a ruling. Since the injunction is not a final judgment, the Social Security Office can only "delay the election" temporarily, not officially postpone it. If the court rules quickly or lifts the injunction, the election might proceed within the original timeframe.
Regarding the proposal to cancel registration and proceed with elections as scheduled on 27 September, the minister said there are serious legal obstacles. The existing regulation, used two years ago, still mandates registration and was not suspended by the court. Therefore, the office cannot issue a new announcement contradicting the old regulation. Amending the regulation to remove registration would require a public consultation process, drafting, cabinet approval, and promulgation, taking at least 2-3 months, which would definitely delay the election further.
Julpan added that these limitations may cause a legal deadlock. The current solution is for the Social Security Office to send a letter directly to the administrative court, asking for a decision and clear guidance on how to proceed. The ministry and office are ready to comply immediately with whatever the court orders.
On accusations of political delay tactics, the labor minister strongly denied any such intent, noting he does not personally know the first complainants. He stated that the complainants and groups like Progressive Social Security have the legal right to file with the court. The Ministry of Labor, as regulator, is ready to clarify all issues and also wishes to see the election held as soon as possible.