NRSA panel proposes pay increase for politicians

The head of the NRSA’s political party reform subcommittee, Sompong Sakawee, said the new guideline would rely on the wage structures of executives in public organisations who receive Bt200,000 to Bt300,000 per month to determine the pay of the prime minister, other ministers, senators and MPs.
Officers should be rewarded appropriately, Sompong said, adding that they would be thoroughly screened following the enactment of the new charter and organic laws. 
“Wage rates for MPs have been maintained at around Bt100,000 for years,” he said. “Wage increases should prevent officers from committing graft because of insufficient income.”
But that did not mean salaries should be doubled or tripled, the former Pheu Thai politician said, adding that the wage structure would only be used as a model.
To stem public criticism, the guideline would be implemented five years after being announced, he added.
The guideline would also tighten screening standards. For instance, MP candidates would be selected through a primary voting system and must make their candidatures at least six months before an election. 
Prospective ministers would also need to gain their parties’ consensus and have their records subjected to public scrutiny, he said 
The guideline would also refer to voluntary good governance courses provided by the Election Commission or King Prajadhipok’s Institute, which would be offered to MP candidates, MPs, senators, ministers as well as their secretaries and advisers. 
The subcommittee will propose the guideline to the NRSA’s political reform committee tomorrow.