Suchart Defends Social Security Fund Against Defamation, Cites Profitability

Prachachat•Politics•264d ago

Reader Briefing

Former Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin defends the Social Security Fund (SSF) against accusations, asserting its profitability and independent investment management while clarifying the minister's limited supervisory role.

•Former Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin has defended the Social Security Fund (SSF) against recent criticisms, insisting it is managed profitably.
•Chomklin emphasized that the SSF operates as an independent fund with investment decisions made by its board, not the minister.
•He stated that ministers are responsible for policy oversight but cannot interfere in direct investment operations, warning against politically motivated attacks.
•The former minister highlighted concerns that qualified individuals are hesitant to serve on the investment board due to fear of being falsely accused.
•Chomklin also addressed a personal legal matter regarding the Skyine building purchase, noting he has filed a defamation lawsuit against two MPs.

Overview

•The Social Security Fund (SSF) has faced public criticism regarding its financial management and investments.
•Suchart Chomklin stated that the SSF is an independent fund that has been managing profitably for 36 years.
•Suchart Chomklin clarified that ministers oversee policy but cannot directly interfere with the SSF's investment decisions.
•The SSF's assets have grown from 1.7 trillion THB to 2.9 trillion THB through investments, with annual audits by the State Audit Office.
•Individuals are reportedly reluctant to serve on the SSF's investment board due to fear of defamation by MPs.
•Suchart Chomklin believes some criticisms are politically motivated, aimed at gaining votes from insured individuals.
•Suchart Chomklin has filed a defamation lawsuit against two MPs concerning the purchase of the Skyine building, with a trial anticipated by late 2024.
•Chomklin urged the SSF to issue an official statement to protect the dignity of its civil servants regarding the uniform issue.

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Key Quotes

Suchart Chomklin

"We must be fair to the civil servants and Social Security staff who are fighting for their rights."

เราต้องให้ความเป็นธรรมกับข้าราชการ และเจ้าหน้าที่ประกันสังคม ที่ออกมาต่อสู้เพื่อสิทธิ์ของตัวเอง

Suchart Chomklin

"A minister's duty is to supervise policy, but cannot interfere directly."

รัฐมนตรีมีหน้าที่กำกับนโยบาย แต่เข้าไปล้วงลูกไม่ได้

Suchart Chomklin

"For a Social Security investment of 2 trillion baht, a minister cannot be held responsible."

ประกันสังคมลงทุนครั้งหนึ่ง 2 ล้านล้านบาท จะมาบอกให้คนที่เป็นรัฐมนตรีต้องรับผิดชอบไม่ได้

Suchart Chomklin

"Do not divert this issue to gain votes from insured individuals."

อย่ามาเบี่ยงเบนประเด็นนี้เพื่อหวังคะแนนเสียงจากผู้ประกันตน

Suchart Chomklin

"Today, no one dares to join the investment board for fear of MPs defaming them."

วันนี้ไม่มีใครกล้ามาเป็นบอร์ดลงทุน เพราะกลัว สส.ใส่ร้ายป้ายสี

Key Entities

Person

Suchart Chomklin(สุชาติ ชมกลิ่น)ℹ️

Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Labor, defending the Social Security Fund.

Members of Parliament (MPs)(สส.)

Legislators who are accused of potentially defaming Social Security Fund board members and against whom a defamation suit has been filed.

Organization

Social Security Fund(สำนักงานประกันสังคม)ℹ️

The Thai governmental agency whose financial management and investments are under discussion.

Tripartite Committee(คณะกรรมการไตรภาคี)

The committee responsible for making decisions within the Social Security Fund.

State Audit Office(สำนักงานการตรวจเงินแผ่นดิน)ℹ️

The government agency responsible for auditing the Social Security Fund's accounts.

House of Representatives(สภาผู้แทนราษฎร)ℹ️

The legislative body to which the Social Security Fund's accounts are explained.

National Anti-Corruption Commission(คณะกรรมการป้องกันและปราบปรามการทุจริตแห่งชาติ)ℹ️

The commission that monitors investment errors by the Social Security Fund's board.

Bhumjaithai Party(พรรคภูมิใจไทย)ℹ️

The political party whose election prospects might be impacted by the Social Security Fund discussion.

Investment Board(บอร์ดลงทุน)

The body responsible for making investment decisions for the Social Security Fund, which is currently facing difficulties in finding members.

Place

Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases(ศาลอาญาคดีทุจริตและประพฤติมิชอบกลาง)

The court where Suchart Chomklin filed his defamation lawsuit.