The caretaker prime minister flew off to Burma the other day, which stirred up more criticism, coming as it did hot on the heels of his other controversial trips.

And caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak is scheduled to fly to Italy and France, in order to woo small and medium-sized enterprises' investment to Thailand. This follows his recent jaunt to Hong Kong and China proper, where he promoted Chinese-Thai investment and Thai fruit exports.

Indeed, this is all very impressive. Other interim governments have devoted most of their time to thinking about political campaigning ahead of elections. But this one is too busy having its members continually travelling around for the benefit of the economy. Either they are certain of their competitive edge over their competitors or they really are that devoted to their jobs.

Which would you rather it be?

Programme

discounted

This month, the Social Security Fund is embarking on something completely new, something intriguing, and something really creative considering its dull image.

Under the Labour Ministry's control, the fund will work with retailers like Makro, the Saha Group, which operates the 108 Shop chain, Carrefour, Tops Supermarket and Big C to offer its members discounts when they shop at these stores.

Caretaker Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin pointed out that the programme was a win-win proposition: members would receive discounts, and retailers would attract more customers.

It sounds good on the surface: the gigantic Social Security Fund acting like a company seeking benefits for its shareholders.

Indeed, as Somsak said, the programme should prompt praise, not criticism. Whatever. As a fund member myself, I cannot help but make my own comment.

Discounts are not the ultimate goal of the fund's members. From the outset, everyone knew they were obliged to become a member, what with the government trying to establish a safety net for those who could end up retired without any savings, get kicked out of their job or suffer a serious accident while at work. They can benefit from financial packages tailored to those who must seek medical treatment.

All of these benefits seem far more important than offering discounts. And these days, members might want the fund to concentrate its efforts on speeding up its benefit-disbursement process.

As a matter of fact, it would be interesting to know exactly how many of those who pay the maximum contribution ever walk into the fund's office to have their medical bills reimbursed. I've heard so many people complain it takes so much time that it is not worth going through it for the small amount they could get back from the fund.

achara_d@nationgroup.com.