Dr. Warong criticizes Wannor's proposal to increase the welfare fund for former MPs and senators, challenging a debate in parliament and suggesting a nationwide poll to ask the public. If they truly face hardship, he recommends using the State Welfare Card like other citizens.
On 21 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, party-list MP and leader of Thai Pakdee Party, commented on Mr. Wannor Muhamadnor Mata's proposal to increase the fund for former parliament members during the special committee meeting reviewing the 2027 fiscal year budget bill. Mr. Pradorn Prissanananthakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and second deputy chair of the committee, chaired the session on budget amendments. Dr. Warong firmly opposed the proposal, stating that MPs and senators should not be supported by the public for life, and that receiving a pension over 20,000 baht monthly already takes advantage of citizens.
Regarding claims that some former MPs and senators face hardship and lack funds for medical treatment, and that not all are wealthy, Dr. Warong said if they are truly struggling, they should use the State Welfare Card like ordinary citizens instead of invoking their former status to seek taxpayer support. Even without using the welfare fund, former parliamentarians already enjoy benefits superior to the public, such as 10,000 baht annual medical coverage and educational rights for their children, which are considered sufficient and more generous than those of the general population.
When asked about Mr. Pradorn's criticism that politicians attacking the fund are seeking attention despite himself receiving welfare, Dr. Warong candidly admitted he did receive the benefits but now listens to the public's view that passing laws to approve using taxpayers' money to support allies is unacceptable.
"I am not seeking attention but acting according to the people's will. Those seeking attention just talk without action. I challenge Mr. Pradorn to debate me live in parliament during the second reading," he said. Dr. Warong added that to clarify the use of the former parliamentarians’ welfare fund for pensions, he proposes polling the public nationwide to ask whether they agree with using tax money to pay former MPs and senators over 20,000 baht monthly for life. Since this is taxpayers' money, not politicians', the owners of the funds should decide, not just decisions made secretly in parliament. He is ready to debate this openly in parliament so the public can be the judge.