"Akapob" of the People's Party criticizes the government, saying the public sector can be downsized, but public health services must not be reduced.
On 13 August 2026, Mr. Akapob Sitthiwannathana, party-list MP of the People's Party, expressed concern over the Cabinet resolution on 11 August 2026 approving reforms to public sector workforce management. The resolution includes delaying new civil servant appointments, abolishing vacant posts, and gradually cutting unnecessary positions to control personnel expenses. He acknowledged that reducing excess civil servants is positive but urged the government to carefully consider the health sector context. Thailand is entering a full-fledged aging society with increasing demand for health services. If workforce levels are frozen or cut without assessing actual needs, staff will face heavier workloads, burnout, resignations, and ultimately, a decline in public service quality.
Mr. Akapob questioned the clarity on the 8,642 new civil servant positions the Ministry of Public Health is seeking approval from the Civil Service Commission (CSC)—whether these will proceed or be delayed under the new policy. He also pointed out that the retirement replacement exemption currently covers only doctors and dentists, leaving nurses, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals without guaranteed protection. Furthermore, he highlighted the problem of "dual workforce management systems" that are uncoordinated: the Ministry of Public Health’s health workforce committee and the Public Sector Workforce Policy Committee (PSWPC), which focuses on controlling staffing quotas. This disconnect results in planning misaligned with local needs. He also noted the issue of retaining personnel due to the CSC lacking a clear timeframe to increase nurses’ salary allowances as proposed by the Nursing Council.
Mr. Akapob proposed that the government reform the health workforce management system in an integrated manner by empowering the existing health workforce committee with full authority over needs assessment, production, hiring, and retention. This committee should work concretely with the PSWPC, CSC, and the Budget Bureau. He emphasized that any evaluation to reduce or abolish positions must prioritize workload and patient safety. If the government insists on reducing health sector civil servants, it must clarify what alternative workforce will replace them to avoid impacting the public. He concluded, "The government can be smaller, but public health services must not diminish."