The Labour Ministry is working with the private sector to bolster employment opportunities for retirees and the elderly, following a complaint about a tax-incentive glitch that is preventing employers from hiring them.
Companies interested in the state plan to get the over-60s back into work can apply for a tax reduction, but a condition involving their salaries has put employers off.
By law, a monthly salary paid to a senior citizen can be listed as a tax-deductible expense, but the amount must not exceed 15,000 baht.
If the wage goes beyond that line, by any amount, "the firm will immediately lose the reduction", Chartchai Norasethaporn, Senior Executive Vice President of the Sustainable Development Office of retail giant Central Group, said.
He was speaking at a meeting on ways to promote employment opportunities for older Thais who wish to return to work, chaired by Labour Minister Adul Sangsingkeo.
Mr Chartchai asked officials to review the scheme, saying it would be fine if the exceeded amount is not counted, but the employers should be still granted a tax reduction on the 15,000-baht ceiling, he said.
Pol Gen Adul insisted on Tuesday that the government is eager to press on with plans to promote post-retirement employment as part of its strategy to deal with Thailand's ageing population.
This year, Pol Gen Adul said, "officials hope to place 100,000 older citizens in jobs".
The elderly will serve as part-time workers assigned to do only jobs that are "not dangerous", like administrative or service industry work, permanent secretary for labour Jarin Chakkaphark said.
Working hours should not be more than seven hours a day and six days a week, he said.
Mr Jarin stressed that the programme was only designed to encourage those older citizens who wished to return to work and was not compulsory in any way.
"If the elderly wish to return to work, they will be paid at least 45 baht an hour," Mr Jarin said, referring to a resolution passed by the national wage committee.
The tripartite committee consists of representatives from the government, employers and employees.
