Some young MPs have started a trend of publicly recruiting their assistants online for taxpayer-funded jobs, a first in Thai politics.
An MP can hire up to eight assistants whose salaries are paid from public funds. But actually opening the positions up to the public goes against decades of “tradition” — giving the jobs to relatives, friends and party canvassers.
Jirawat Arunyakanon, a Future Forward MP for Bangkok, posted a notice on Facebook on Friday saying he was looking for candidates for two positions.
His only requirements are that the candidates can commute to work in his constituency — Taling Chan, Thawi-Watthana and Nong Kang Phlu districts — and that they like to meet or contact people and accept complaints. He also posted the salary of 15,000 baht a month. He is accepting applications only by email. (continued below)
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, a Bhumjaithai MP for Si Sa Ket, on Saturday advertised four positions on his Facebook page. His only requirement is that they must have a good personality and attitude. “Differences in opinion are okay but we must be able to talk,” he wrote.
Mr Siripong also said he would not accept any candidate coming from “connections” and would cross off the names if someone asked him to hire them.
According to the 2013 document on MP benefits, an MP receives a monthly position allowance of 71,230 baht and an additional allowance of 42,330 baht a month, totalling 113,560 baht. If he or she is a minister, they will not be entitled to these allowances and will receive a minister’s pay instead.
MPs also receive meeting allowances if they are appointed to a House panel, along with medical care and travel allowances.
A member can hire up to eight people: a personal specialist to give academic advice, who will be paid 24,000 baht a month; two experts to do research, prepare motions and proposals (15,000 baht each), and five assistants to meet people and accept complaints (15,000 baht each).
