MPs' pensions on the lineA bleak economic outlook driven by the oil crisis has prompted renewed calls for a review of the pension scheme for former members of parliament, which critics say has become a heavy burden on taxpayers. The current pension system, introduced in 2013, requires MPs to contribute 3,500 baht a month. One possible reform would be to replace lifetime monthly payments with a lump-sum payout, particularly for MPs who do not complete a full four-year term. If the pension cannot be abolished altogether, at the very least a lower ceiling on monthly payments should be considered. Financial support for MPs' children, for instance, is difficult to justify given the relatively high salaries and allowances already enjoyed by legislators.

Source: Bangkok Post March 25, 2026 18:17 UTC