BANGKOK, 11 June 2015 – The government is introducing a program to assist poor families with young children by providing them with a monthly allowance of 400 baht as a way to support child development in the long run.
Deputy Prime Minister Yongyut Yuttawong indicated that the first five years of life are the most crucial period for a child’s development, and it has been witnessed in many countries that the provision of proper care for the young ones from the very beginning can help them grow up to be quality citizens.
Therefore, he said the government has been studying measures adopted by other countries that are investing in child welfare and has come up with a program that targets low-income families in particular. Under the new program, every child in a poor family who is aged five or below will be entitled to an allowance of 400 baht per month.
According to Minister of Social Development and Human Security Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, Thailand sees a total of 800,000 newborn babies every year. Out of the number, about 135,000 are born to impoverished families and they will be included in the financial aid program.
The program is expected to be piloted within this year and will be evaluated periodically. Teams of public health volunteers are being sent out across the country to identify the target group in each locality and they will also facilitate the registration process, which will take place at the local administrative office.
