Pakorn has scheduled a discussion on early retirement measures for civil servants on 29 October, expecting compensation not to exceed 15 times salary, with plans to implement in 2027. He noted that the sin tax subsidy draft bills, although proposed by a political party, require the Prime Minister's approval.
At 09:10 on 27 October 2026 GMT+7. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt. Spoke at the Government House about progress on. the early retirement measures for ordinary civil servants, or Early Retirement, stating a meeting with relevant agencies will be held on 29 October before proposing it to the Cabinet meeting (not the immediate next Cabinet meeting).
Regarding compensation, Pakorn said it is expected not to exceed 15 times salary. The age criterion is set at 50 years and above, but if participation is low, it may be lowered to 40. The aim is to enforce the measure around 2027.
Pakorn then addressed the matter of. the four draft bills amended to receive funding from sin taxes. He said these drafts were proposed by Supachai Jaisamut, a party-list MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, and are the party's bills. Whether the government will draft parallel bills is currently undecided. When asked about protesters opposing the four bills planning to demonstrate in front of the Government House, Pakorn joked that one must arrange with Supachai, emphasizing that the drafts are from the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Supachai.
When asked if these bills, being party-proposed, would not require Cabinet approval once in the House of Representatives, Pakorn replied. These four bills are financial legislation and thus require the Prime Minister’s approval, including the Prime Minister’s signature. It is unclear if they have been submitted yet; currently, the process is at the public consultation stage. Once completed, the House will likely send them to the Prime Minister for approval. Whether approval is granted depends on the Prime Minister.
Asked for his legal perspective amid social criticism and pressure over these four bills, which could escalate conflict involving medical personnel, Pakorn said. “Let’s treat this as a legal matter rather than a social issue. We can debate it properly; that’s normal.”