Thai Prime Minister promises to reform social security

BANGKOK, Jan 13 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has pledged to reform social security to improve the quality and efficiency of workers.

Opening a meeting of labor authorities on social security and its merits for the life of workers at Rama Garden Hotel in Bangkok on Thursday (Jan 13), Abhisit said the improvement of social security was part of the national reform plan of his government as it would lead to the better life and welfare of workers. He said the social security system of Thailand needed a reform as the growing economy could not depend solely on cheap labour. The Thai economy needs labour efficiency and quality to remain competitive.

The Thai prime minister welcomes proposals from labourers. He encouraged them to express opinions on the expansion of social security coverage and the independent management of the Social Security Fund. In the meantime, his government is developing a national saving fund.

He said a house committee is scrutinizing the plan to develop the fund and the issue should be submitted to the house within the upcoming house session.

Abhisit stressed that the management of the Social Security Fund had to be based on good governance, participation and independence. There was an intention to amend the social security law but the plan is shelved because it would not lead to the independence of the Social Security Fund.

However, the prime minister said he would push for the legal amendment later. (TNA)