“Ice Rakchanok” has called on the Minister of Labor to postpone the Social Security Board election following severe flooding in several provinces that has affected the insured persons’ ability to exercise their voting rights.
On 26 September 2026, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, posted an open letter on Facebook addressed to Mr. Julaphan Amornwiwat, the Minister of Labor who directly oversees the Social Security Office. She noted that flooding in many provinces—including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Trat, and Surin—has severely impacted the daily lives of the people in many areas. At this time, many residents are unable to leave their homes, and numerous locations are still awaiting government assistance. There is no sign of the situation improving soon. The government has also just issued orders for 70 provinces nationwide and Bangkok to remain on alert for flash floods and landslides until 27 September 2026.
Recently, the Governor of Bangkok declared the entire city’s 50 districts as disaster zones, prompting many government agencies to postpone important events during this period. For example, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced the postponement of the Jump+ Investor Day event scheduled for today (26 September 2026) at the SET building due to continuous rain causing flooding in multiple Bangkok areas, affecting travel convenience. The Office of the Judiciary’s Judicial Commission also announced the postponement of the 2026 oral examination for Assistant Judges at the small testing center today (26 September 2026).
Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister of Labor to consider the ongoing flood disaster affecting many citizens and to postpone the entire Social Security Board election with a clear timeframe. According to the Ministry of Labor’s regulations regarding the criteria and methods for electing employer and insured representatives, authority is granted under Article 6(7).
Article 6 outlines the duties and powers of the Election Committee as follows:
(7) To extend or shorten the election period or to suspend election activities in cases of necessity.
Therefore, the Ministry of Labor has the authority to postpone the election as stipulated by law. I strongly disagree with proposals to hold elections only in some areas. Even if polling stations in certain locations are open according to Social Security Office orders, voters traveling from other flooded areas would still be unable to cast their votes. I do not want to see people having to wade through floods to vote. Many Social Security Office staff are also flood victims themselves. To facilitate voters nationwide and fulfill the election’s intent to maximize voter convenience, the government should first resolve the flooding problem before holding the Social Security Board election again at a more appropriate time. This would be the best solution at present.
Ms. Rakchanok stated that she has consistently advocated for the Social Security election to proceed as scheduled, but now all parties must prioritize the safety of citizens’ lives and property above all else. With less than 24 hours remaining, she urged the Minister of Labor to promptly convene all relevant parties and announce a clear decision regarding the election postponement as soon as possible.