Bangkok: “Bowornsak” has denied rumors regarding the extension of the retirement age for civil servants to 70 years, clarifying that the current study only considers extending it to 65 years. The Prime Minister hopes to finalize this matter within the tenure of the current government.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno addressed reports suggesting a possible increase in the civil service retirement age from 60 to 70. He clarified that these claims are incorrect. The Civil Service Commission (OCSC) is currently conducting a study focused solely on the potential for civil servants to extend their retirement age to 65. The Prime Minister is actively interested in this issue and intends to complete the study and presentation soon. The results of these studies will be considered to decide on extending the retirement age to 65. There was no mention of a 70-year retirement age for civil servants, which only applies to judges and prosecutors, with university professors already extended to 65.

Mr. Bowornsak explained that the discussions are limited to potentially extending the civil servants’ retirement age to 65, excluding other civil servants and police officers. He highlighted the various implications of such a change, including demographic trends like lower birth rates and higher death rates, which affect budgetary considerations such as pensions and retirement benefits. Additionally, it impacts leadership within government departments and the induction of new civil servants. The Civil Service Commission is studying this issue with the Comptroller General’s Department and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Mr. Bowornsak emphasized that a 70-year retirement age has never been a topic of discussion.

When questioned about the implementation timeline, Mr. Bowornsak mentioned that the Prime Minister expressed a desire to see the decision finalized and potentially enacted within the current government’s term.