Bangkok: "Chulaphan" has directed the Social Security Office to urgently explain the contentious 2025 budget allocation, mandating a comprehensive review of the accounting system to ensure transparency and eliminate loopholes.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Julaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, announced that he instructed Ms. Kanjana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, to promptly investigate the issues highlighted by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). This initiative aims to safeguard public interests following the State Audit Office's decision not to express an opinion on the 2025 financial statements, which was clarified to be a technical issue with account reconciliation rather than missing funds.

The Minister emphasized strict adherence to good governance in fund management. The initial report reveals that the issue arises from a technical discrepancy between the internal accounting system and the government accounting system (New GFMIS Thai), leading to inconsistent data formats and discrepancies in figures.

Additionally, the investigation uncovered deficiencies in updating equipment register data, including duplicate entries and outdated asset sale information, causing account figures to misrepresent actual assets.

Recent reports confirm that Mr. Chulaphan has established a special task force to immediately reconcile accounting records and conduct a nationwide physical inventory of assets. He has also enhanced internal audit measures to address documentation gaps and restore confidence among insured individuals.

The Ministry of Labour has assured that it will closely monitor the progress of data updates to ensure transparency and accuracy in accounting information, securing the long-term stability of the social security fund.