Senior politicians and government officials from Thailand have visited the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) to research how an actuarial function can operate within government.
The delegation was made up of more than 20 people. It included the Minister of Labour, the chairs of 2 parliamentary committees and senior officials.
Fact finding visit
The visit was part of research to accompany a pension reform plan. At present Thailand does not have a single department to produce actuarial analysis for the government. Instead, each agency has its own in-house unit to produce reports and analysis.
As part of a 4-year project, the Thai government is considering the creation of an actuarial unit to produce analysis and inputs to policy making and reforms.
GAD’s expertise
During the visit, the officials met both the Government Actuary and Deputy Government Actuary. They heard about GAD’s historic origins, reporting lines, operating approach and main areas of expertise.
The visiting delegation also learned about GAD’s working relationship with other organisations such as HM Treasury, the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs.
Actuaries from GAD shared information about different projects. These included GAD’s work on the National Insurance Fund and the State Pension Age review.
Decorative plaque from the Thai delegation, marking their visit to GAD.
The Deputy Government Actuary Matt Gurden said: “We were really pleased to have been given the opportunity to host this key event for such an influential group of people.
“The breadth and depth of expertise in GAD means we can offer a range of actuarial services to government and the public sector.
“We hope sharing our extensive experience will be of value to the Thai government in its plans for an actuarial unit.”
