Court says Social Security Board election can proceed

The Central Administrative Court ruled on Tuesday that the announcement postponing the Social Security Board election on September 27 was unlawful. The election should now proceed as originally scheduled. The postponement announcement, issued by the election committee on July 27, cited a lack of clarity about registration requirements.

The Progressive Social Security team, led by Sustarum Thammaboosadee, challenged the announcement and argued it was unlawful because it did not specify how long the delay would last. The court granted a temporary injunction against the postponement pending its final ruling. The court ruled that the postponement effectively suspended the election process stipulated in an earlier announcement and could not be justified as an emergency measure.

The Progressive Social Security team leader emphasized that the Social Security Office had already allocated funds for the election, and more funds could be proposed for approval. The court also maintained its order to suspend enforcement of the postponement announcement, preventing the SSO from delaying the election again. The SSO was prepared to hold the election with funding allocated and over 7 million ballot papers prepared.

Allowing the current Social Security Board to remain in a caretaker capacity for nearly six months could damage the management of the Social Security Fund. The election and public participation are crucial for returning the welfare institution to the people and ensuring it serves as a reliable pillar of support.