Benefits for MPs under scrutiny

Rising costs spur budget concerns, writes Jutamas Tadthiemrom

- Jutamas Tadthiemrom

Surging living costs have intensified scrutiny of parliamentary spending, with proposals by Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom triggering widespread reactions across political and public spheres.

The debate emerged during the first sitting of the House of Representatives on March 15, where Dr Warong, a party-list MP and leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, raised concerns beyond the agenda, focusing on MPs’ food allowances, the number of assistants and pension arrangements.

“In today’s climate, people are uneasy. MPs receive salaries of 113,560 baht, so why should taxpayers fund their lunches?” he told the chamber. “In many countries, MPs pay for their own meals.”

His intervention, though brief, quickly drew interruptions from fellow MPs, with acting chair Pairote Lohsunthorn advising that such issues should be addressed through formal parliamentary committees rather than during the speaker selection session.

Yet the remarks have resonated beyond parliament. At a time when households face mounting expenses amid volatile energy prices and stagnant incomes, public expectations for fiscal discipline have sharpened.

Dr Warong outlined three proposals: scrapping the daily food allowance of around 1,000 baht per MP, reducing the number of assistants from eight to three, and reviewing the pension fund for former MPs.