CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The government announced a significant increase in social welfare benefits during the Cabinet’s meeting led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Chiang Mai, November 29. The new changes will see an increase in the allowances for elderly citizens, people with disabilities, and newborns, as part of efforts to support vulnerable groups.
Under the new plan, the monthly allowance for elderly people will be raised across different age groups. For those aged 60-69, the allowance will increase from 600 Baht to 700 Baht, while those aged 70-79 will receive 850 Baht (up from 700 Baht). People aged 80-89 will see their allowance rise from 800 Baht to 1,000 Baht, and those aged 90 and above will receive 1,250 Baht per month, up from 1,000 Baht.
Additionally, the government will provide a universal allowance of 600 Baht per month for all newborns, eliminating the need for income verification. Previously, this subsidy was available only to children aged 0-6 years from households with an average income of less than 100,000 Baht per year.
The allowance for people with disabilities will also be standardized at 1,000 Baht per month, removing the previous tiered system.
These adjustments aim to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations and strengthen social welfare programs. The government also plans to introduce measures to encourage informal workers to join the social security system, with further details to be reviewed in future Cabinet meetings. The kick-off month will be announced soon, said the spokesman. (PRD)
