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POLITICS

Widespread public criticism is expected of the cabinet's approval in principle for a proposal to raise the salaries and allowances of MPs and senators.

PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey, who oversees state media, conceded the approval of the pay and welfare increases could come under heavy fire and the government needed to explain the reasons to the public.

Lawmakers, particularly MPs, have been lambasted for causing several parliamentary sessions to be brought to a halt over the past few weeks due to the lack of a quorum.

Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the salary hikes will benefit the house speaker and his deputies, the senate speaker and his deputies, the opposition leader, house members, senators and members of parliamentary committees.

The salaries of house members and senators will rise from 63,000 baht to 67,790 baht and their monthly allowances from 41,000 baht to 42,330 baht.

The parliament president's remuneration will be equal to that of the prime minister - a salary of 71,990 baht with allowances worth 50,000 baht.

Besides, the meeting allowance of parliamentary committee members will rise from 1,000 baht to 1,200 baht a meeting and that of parliamentary subcommittee members will go up from 500 baht to 800 baht a meeting. In addition, the cabinet ordered the Finance Ministry to consider increases in MPs' welfare, health insurance and travel expenses.