The Thailand Ministry of Finance has dismissed rumours widely circulating in Bangkok that the Government was planning to reduce the medical allowance of Public Servants in order to fight the COVID-19 crisis.
Deputy Director-General of the Ministry’s Comptroller General Department, Wilawan Phayanoi (pictured) said people should not believe the gossip, which began circulating on social media a week ago.
“There is a rumour spreading that over the next few months Civil Servants will only be eligible for 65 per cent of what they used to receive in medical allowances,” Ms Phayanoi said.
“According to the rumour, the Government needs money to pay debts it has accumulated while rolling out relief measures during the COVID-19 situation, meaning Civil Servants should brace for budgetary cutbacks and possible downsizing,” she said.
Ms Phayanoi said her Department “insists that the rumour is not true and that Civil Servants, as well as their eligible family members, will continue receiving the same medical allowance as before.
“If there is to be any change in the benefits scheme, the Department will make a public announcement before the change takes effect,” she said.
“Please do not believe this rumour as it will only lead to panic and create negative perceptions towards the Thai Government and economy,” Ms Phayanoi said.
Bangkok, 6 July 2020
