Thai government helps elderly with financial support
The Thai government is taking a step toward better supporting the elderly with a new aid program. With a one-time payment of 10.000 baht, the program will help elderly Thai citizens cover their daily expenses and improve their quality of life. The first payments are expected in January 2025.
Cabinet increases child benefit to support families
Starting January 1, the government will increase child benefit for members of the Social Security Fund from 800 to 1.000 baht per child. The measure, intended to provide financial support to families, reflects the government’s commitment to improving social services and tackling economic challenges.
Government considers expanding financial support: seniors will also receive 10.000 baht
The government wants to extend the 10.000 baht financial assistance program to seniors aged 60 and over. This is part of a broader strategy to address financial hardship among vulnerable groups. With easy access and a focus on digital payments, the government hopes to not only provide immediate relief but also to stimulate the transition to a more digitalized economy.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announces large-scale initiatives for affordable housing, economic growth and protection of national borders. With support for farmers, digital innovations and urban planning, Thailand aims to respond to rapidly changing needs. Meanwhile, border security around Koh Kood is reaffirmed, and government leaders prepare for new diplomatic steps at the APEC summit in Lima, Peru.
Thailand will have significantly reduced poverty by 2023, with the number of poor people falling from 3,79 million to 2,39 million. Despite this progress, some regions, particularly in the south, remain vulnerable. The government needs to take urgent action to prevent vulnerable groups from falling back into poverty and to address inequalities.
Expansion of mobile grocery stores to support poor Thais in Bangkok
Thailand's Ministry of Commerce continues its successful mobile grocery store initiative, now targeting more than 100 locations in densely populated areas. This strategic expansion, led by Deputy Director General Goranij Nonejuie, promises Bangkok residents a significant annual savings of 120 million baht.
Thailand appears to be losing the battle against the deep-rooted inequality between rich and poor, even under the new government. Despite Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's assurances to tackle poverty, experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of the proposed measures. They warn that purely economically driven policies will not reduce structural inequality in the country.
Thai cabinet introduces important changes: lower energy prices and new salary system
Under the leadership of Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, the Thai government made some groundbreaking decisions during their first cabinet meeting. With reduced rates for electricity and diesel and a new bimonthly salary payment system for civil servants, the government wants to relieve the economic pressure on citizens and fulfill its election promises.
The names of people eligible for the renewed State Welfare Card will be announced in March. These cardholders can then use their rights in April. If someone is not eligible, he or she can appeal to Krung Thai Bank.
Last year an aid program was set up for the Thai due to Covid. (Almost) everyone received 3-3000 thb for 5000 months, is this correct?
After a while I heard many complaints that the jar was empty. Now there is another program I heard from a few months but with 1000 thb per month?
Ideas for the post-corona era: basic income
We should already start thinking about whether we should implement changes in social events in order to prevent or better cope with a future crisis such as that of the current corona, or another crisis. I advocate for a basic income for everyone around the world. It is the most efficient, cheapest and most civilized way to fight poverty.
Tens of thousands of Thai men and women are on the street due to the corona crisis. Hotels are close, as are many restaurants and shops. With the average low wages, there is hardly any savings and it is impossible to live on the meager benefits.
Stimulation policy in Thai style
The Thai government recently launched a stimulus plan to help poorer Thais financially. Per person 1.000 Baht. Can be used to take a trip or make purchases in selected supermarkets.
In Thailand, more than 3 million Welfare cards have been issued by the government, mainly to disabled, elderly and bedridden low-income patients.
Financial experts advocate an increase in VAT in Thailand
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) believes the government should raise VAT to generate revenue that can be used to support the minimum income.
Thai minimums get free Simcard with internet
The Ministry of Finance has announced that owners of the welfare card will also receive a Simcard so that they can surf the internet for free. Finance Minister Apisak says that this will give the minima better access to information and news that are important to them.
Political parties in Thailand want child benefit as a social benefit
There is increasing political support for a social assistance for poor parents with children: child benefit. Representatives of ten political parties, including Pheu Thai and the Democrats, want child benefits in Thailand. They promise a child support scheme if they win the election and become part of the government.
Government helps minimum income in Thailand with 63 billion baht
The cabinet decided on Tuesday to release 63 billion baht for minimum wage earners who have a welfare card. The money is also intended for seniors and civil servants. Critics say Prayut is throwing money because elections are coming up and call it a populist measure.
Charity Hua Hin asks for your help
Charity Hua Hin consists of a small group of Dutch people who together want to help poor people with disabilities in a simple and small-scale way, in the region where they live, namely Hua Hin, Pranburi, Nong Plab. Further, incidentally, in Pala-U and Sam Roi Yot.
Welfare card also for discount on medicines
The Ministry of Commerce has asked drugstores in Thailand to also join the government's welfare program. The Welfare card is a form of assistance for low-income Thais.