The national reform committee on social issues has proposed extending the retirement age for certain state officials from 60 to 63.
Wichian Chavalit, a committee member, said it is not clear yet how the retirement age extension could be introduced and more discussion is needed on the issue, including who would be eligible.
It is possible military personnel would be excluded, he said.
A source familiar with the matter said civil servants working in agencies that have a shortage of experts and specialists may benefit from the proposal, if it was adopted by the government.
Also, with an ageing society, it is predicted the workforce will shrink significantly, making it necessary to extend the retirement age in certain sectors to make up for a skilled labour shortage.
The government expects the number of people aged 60 and over will reach about 16.8% of the population in 2020, rising to 20% in 2025 -- up from 13.8% in 2015.
Mr Wichian said social reform also seeks to address problems concerning consumer protection and make protection mechanisms stronger, such as by pushing for an organisation run by civic groups to safeguard consumer rights.
He added that social reform also will improve the living standards of the disabled and increase their employment opportunities.
He also said more stateless people will be given Thai nationality which would entitle them to gain access to social welfare, education and healthcare.
According to Ampon Jindawatthana, another social reform panel member, other groups such as former convicts and those suffering from illnesses such as HIV/Aids will also benefit from the envisaged reforms.
The social reform blueprint drafted by the committee will be put up for public hearings at various venues in the provinces. Mr Amapon said a hearing session for the Central Plains Region will be held in Bangkok on Nov 15.
In the Northeast, a hearing is being organised at Udon Thani Rajabhat University in Udon Thani on Nov 24 while in the South, a hearing will take place at Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University on Nov 30.
A public hearing for the North will be held at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University in Chiang Rai on Dec 12.
