BANGKOK, THAILAND – List MP Chris Potranandana from the Economy Party called for the abolition of lifetime parliamentary pensions and pledged that all three MPs from his party would waive their entitlements.
Parliament push: criticism of lifetime payments
In parliament, Chris Potranandana said the debate had escalated in the previous week after he publicly criticised the existing pension system. He argued that the controversy highlighted the need for greater transparency over who received payments and how much they cost the state.
He pointed to rules that allowed some lawmakers to sit for just one term – or even only a few months – and still receive monthly pensions for life. According to him, this raised concerns about fairness and the burden on taxpayers.
“Jackpot” allegation: pension despite short term
The MP said some legislators were effectively hitting “the jackpot” by entering parliament briefly and then benefiting permanently.
“Some parliamentarians are effectively ‘hitting the jackpot’ by serving only a short time in parliament and then benefiting permanently.”
said Chris Potranandana, list MP of the Economy Party.
As an example, he cited a monthly payment of around 24,000 baht, financed from public funds. He linked this figure to broader concerns about long-term commitments of state money.
Calculations: millions over a lifetime
According to Chris, former MPs over the age of 60 could receive a total of 4 to 5 million baht in pensions over their lifetimes. He said such sums illustrated the scale of the obligations created by the current scheme.
Those who entered parliament in their 30s, served only one term and then collected benefits for decades could, over a lifetime, receive about 9 to 10 million baht. Chris used these calculations to underline what he presented as disproportionate rewards for short periods of service.
Cost to the state: more than 400 million baht a year
Chris argued that the system should be scrapped to save public funds. He framed the issue as a question of responsible management of state resources.
He put the annual cost to the state at more than 400 million baht. In his view, reducing or abolishing these payments would ease pressure on the national budget.
Economy Party’s stance: no claims on pension rights
Responding to criticism on social media that he and his party colleagues would themselves benefit from the system, Chris issued a firm statement.
“My colleagues and I from the Economy Party will not apply for pension entitlements, regardless of whether we are re-elected or not.”
said Chris Potranandana, Economy Party list MP.
He said he and the two other Economy Party MPs would not file any pension claims. This, he added, would apply irrespective of their future electoral success.
How many already receive pensions? Figures on beneficiaries
According to Chris, around 1,200 former parliamentarians were currently drawing pensions, including former MPs and ex-senators. He said these figures showed the breadth of the current entitlement system.
In total, there were about 3,000 former lawmakers who were in principle eligible to claim such benefits. Chris linked these numbers to his demand for disclosure of all current recipients.
Social balance: help for the needy, not for all
Chris acknowledged that some former MPs might genuinely need support. He suggested that any reform should consider the situation of those facing financial hardship.
At the same time, he stressed that others were not dependent on these payments and should not be guaranteed lifelong security at the expense of taxpayers.
“Some former MPs may truly need assistance, but others are not reliant on it and should not be guaranteed lifelong security at taxpayers’ expense.”
said Chris Potranandana, Economy Party list MP.