State enterprise and labour groups on Tuesday urged the government to reconsider a new formula for calculating old-age pensions under the Social Security Fund (SSF), warning the proposed changes could reduce retirement benefits for millions of insured workers.
Representatives of the State Enterprise Workers' Relations Confederation, led by president Sawit Kaewwan, and the labour network submitted a petition to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House.
Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat accepted the letter on the prime minister's behalf.
The groups called for a review of the cabinet's July 14 resolution approving a ministerial regulation to introduce the Career-Average Revalued Earnings (Care) formula for calculating old-age pensions under the SSF.
They argued that the proposed system would directly affect the retirement benefits and long-term quality of life of insured workers under Section 33 of the Social Security Act, who comprise the majority of employees in the formal sector.
Mr Sawit said labour councils and trade unions nationwide had closely examined the structural impact of the proposal.
He said labour organisations had repeatedly expressed concerns and submitted objections before the cabinet approved the measure, but claimed those concerns had not been adequately addressed.
The confederation said the shift to the Care calculation could reduce pension levels for many workers by replacing the existing method, and was introduced without sufficient consultation with labour representatives.
The labour groups urged the government to suspend the proposal and reopen discussions with stakeholders to ensure any reform protects workers' rights and preserves retirement security. They also announced they would return to Government House on Aug 4 to follow up on the government's response.
Mr Julapun said he would forward the petition to relevant agencies within the Labour Ministry for further consideration.
The campaign against the Care formula has gained momentum in recent days. On Monday, the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee and labour councils nationwide jointly declared their opposition, saying any revision to the pension system should only proceed after a comprehensive assessment of its impact on all insured workers.
Former Social Security Board member Panus Thailuan also questioned whether sufficient analysis had been conducted, saying there was still no clear official estimate of how the new formula would affect pension payments.
While acknowledging the Care model could benefit some insured groups, he argued reforms should improve benefits for all contributors rather than leaving some workers worse off.
