With Thailand quickly greying, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry has established an Elderly Affairs Department to run welfare programmes for senior citizens.
The regulation establishing the department was published in the Royal Gazette Tuesday.
One of the department's missions in to open social welfare and development centres across the country for Thais 60 years or older. To be eligible for benefits, seniors must not be under investigation or being prosecuted for criminal offenses. They must also not be addicted to drugs or liquor and must not be mentally ill.
Each service centre will offer to arrange housing for the elderly. To qualify, applicants must prove they are impoverished, homeless or have no one on whom they can rely for help.
Three types of housing will be available: living quarters provided for the elderly free of charge; dormitories where seniors must pay rent at a rate fixed by the department; or living quarters built by an applicant on service centre property.
In Bangkok, qualified elderly residents can apply for services at the Elderly Affairs Department or at service centres. In other provinces, they can apply at Social Development and Human Security offices.