A sub-committee under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has agreed to enhance welfare benefit programmes for the elderly, babies and the disabled, marking a significant step in improving the well-being of these groups.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said that under the proposed scheme, the elderly would receive a flat rate welfare payment of 1,000 baht a month, instead of the current rate which varies between 600-800 baht depending on their age.
The panel also agreed to expand a child subsidy scheme to cover all newborn babies regardless of their family's financial status, in order to sustain support for every child's crucial early years.
Currently, the government provides a subsidy of 600 baht per month to newborn babies from poor families until they reach the age of six years. The subsidy benefits around two million children.
Under the new scheme, a monthly subsidy of 600 baht would be provided for all newborn babies until they reach that age regardless of their family income.
The committee also agreed that child care centres should admit children as young as three months old, instead of six months old at present, to correspond with the 98-day maternity leave rule, Mr Varawut said, adding the change would ease the burden on working mothers.
The monthly subsidy for the disabled would also see an increase from 800 baht to 1,000 baht, while assistants of the disabled would be paid 100 baht per hour, instead of 50 baht per hour, under the scheme, he added.
According to Mr Varawut, the proposal will be forwarded to the ministry's main committee considering welfare for approval.