At 4:30 PM on May 23 at the Nonthaburi Social Security Office, Mr. Satsaram Thammaboosadee, a board member representing insured persons, addressed public concerns over the Social Security Office’s (SSO) practice of donating decommissioned vehicles to temples, some of which were later transferred to third parties — raising suspicions of irregularities.
Mr. Satsaram explained that asset management is under constant scrutiny and that SSO spends around 5–6 billion baht annually. Vehicle procurement, particularly for executive use, is a matter of ongoing public concern. Although some vehicles, like pickups and vans in rural areas, are necessary, the SSO has spent over 100 million baht on vehicles. Typically, they are used for 5–8 years. However, in recent years, instead of auctioning the decommissioned vehicles, SSO has opted to donate them to temples.
"Even after 7–8 years of use, these vehicles still retain value — at least 20% of their original price. That translates to around 20–30 million baht in total. If we donate them, sure, we make merit. But what does the insured person get? Why are we willing to forgo this money, when selling them could return a significant amount to the fund?" he questioned.
Referring to the inquiry by MP Sahasawat Khumkhong from the People’s Party, Mr. Satsaram highlighted concerns over what temples do with these vehicles afterward. Some have reportedly been transferred to third parties within just months — without even the abbot’s knowledge in some cases. He urged the SSO to disclose the names of the temples that received vehicle donations.
Responding to claims from the Ministry of Labor that donations yield greater value than auctions, Mr. Satsaram countered: “Good deeds are one thing, but don’t forget that the Social Security Fund is a massive financial structure tied to the lives of millions. Even recovering 10–20 million baht through auctions could fund critical needs — like next year’s calendar. Why not stop the donations and use the proceeds to benefit insured members directly?”