Lawmakers Pressed to Cut Aide Quota

Thai Party Proposes Drastic Cut to Parliamentary Staffing to Save Billions

A prominent political party in Thailand is advocating for a significant reduction in the number of personal assistants allocated to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators, a move they claim could generate annual savings of up to 3 billion baht. The Thai Pakdee Party has issued a strong call for lawmakers to trim their support staff from the current allowance of eight assistants down to just three.

Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party and its sole party-list MP, articulated this proposal, emphasizing that the existing staffing levels are excessive and do not align with the public’s current financial realities and expectations. He argued that a more streamlined approach would be both efficient and fiscally responsible.

During a session at the parliament, Dr. Warong made a symbolic gesture, tearing up five assistant application forms. This act underscored his conviction that three assistants are more than adequate to effectively carry out parliamentary duties. Currently, MPs are permitted to appoint up to eight personal assistants, with the majority receiving a monthly salary of 15,000 baht, and one designated assistant earning 24,000 baht.

The party leader elaborated on the potential financial benefits of this proposed reduction. He calculated that for MPs alone, limiting the number of assistants to three could result in annual savings of approximately 540 million baht. When extended to include Senators, the total savings nationwide could indeed reach the substantial figure of 3 billion baht each year.

“In a time of rising living costs and fuel prices, the country must cut unnecessary spending and respond to public expectations,” Dr. Warong stated, highlighting the need for austerity measures across all sectors, including government. He stressed that lawmakers have a particular responsibility to demonstrate fiscal prudence and help restore public trust in the integrity of parliamentary operations.

To lead by example, Dr. Warong revealed that he has already voluntarily limited his own parliamentary team to three assistants. This personal commitment, he explained, serves as a demonstration that operational efficiency and effectiveness are not contingent upon having an extensive support staff. He actively encouraged his colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to adopt similar measures, framing it as a crucial step towards what he termed a “new politics” – one that is more accountable and responsive to the populace.

The party’s proposals extend beyond just the number of personal assistants. Dr. Warong also voiced concerns regarding additional parliamentary benefits, specifically mentioning a welfare fund that mandates monthly contributions of 3,500 baht from members. He cautioned that such schemes could potentially create a long-term financial strain on public coffers if not carefully managed.

In a separate but related development, Dr. Warong pointed to recent shifts in parliamentary practices as a positive indicator of a growing awareness of public sentiment. He particularly applauded the emerging trend among MPs to purchase their own meals rather than relying on state-subsidised lunches.

This move away from subsidised meals for MPs, he noted, is estimated to save the government around 72 million baht annually. Dr. Warong hailed this change as a “victory of the people,” observing that lawmakers from both the ruling government and the opposition parties had responded positively to public pressure and concerns about taxpayer-funded perks.

Recent observations within the parliament have corroborated this shift. MPs from various political parties have been seen patronising the parliament’s canteen, purchasing their own meals and engaging in informal dining with parliamentary officials and staff. This visual change signifies a move towards a more grounded and less ostentatious parliamentary culture, aligning with the public’s desire for greater fiscal responsibility. The Thai Pakdee Party’s push for reduced staffing and the observed changes in meal provisions collectively signal a broader conversation about the cost of governance and the importance of public perception in shaping parliamentary conduct.