Pakorn revealed the early retirement criteria for civil servants allow up to 15 times compensation, starting before 1 October 2027, aiming to reduce staff by 30,000 in 5 years, with a proposal to be submitted to the Cabinet in mid-November.
At 12:20 p.m. on 30 October 2026 GMT+7 Pakorn Nilprapunt, Deputy Prime Minister, gave an interview at the Government House regarding the progress of the early retirement measures for civil servants. After the meeting with related agencies on 29 October, he said he had preliminary information but preferred not to give too many details to avoid confusion. He confirmed the measure uses a calculation formula similar to past ones but with a likely higher maximum ceiling.
When a reporter asked if the maximum ceiling would exceed 15 times, Pakorn said, it would likely increase, with 15 times as the maximum ceiling depending on remaining service years. He requested waiting for clearer details, which the Civil Service Commission (CSC) will clarify later.
When pressed on how much the increase would be, Pakorn declined to answer, then added, the maximum is 15 times and denied it would reach 20 times. He explained there is a calculation formula, noting some people multiply the base salary by 15 times, but the amount varies by individual. Regarding the eligible age, Pakorn said the previous resolution was 50 years or older, but if the quota is not filled, it might open to those 40 and above under certain conditions, such as resigning to care for relatives or themselves.
On whether participants could return to civil service, Pakorn stated, initially participants must sign consent to leave service and not return to any agency, including judiciary and prosecutors, as the goal is an amicable separation. Returning might require repayment of compensation.
Asked about the target number of retirees, Pakorn said 5 percent per year, as the program will run for 5 years aiming for 30,000 departures from civil service.
Regarding whether positions will be eliminated, Pakorn said yes, but not the positions currently held by those leaving. Instead, equivalent positions will be removed to reduce staff numbers significantly, emphasizing efficiency improvements, possibly by adopting digital systems.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said the program will start before 1 October 2027, with details intended for the Cabinet meeting in mid-November. The program applies to civil servants first, while military and police have similar existing programs.