Grey clouds gather over Thailand’s welfare state as elderly subsidy cut
Thailand’s universal welfare has taken a backward step with the caretaker government’s recent decision to limit monthly subsidies of 600 to 1,000 baht per head to just poor, elderly Thais.
Previously, all elderly Thais were eligible.
But those who register themselves as elderly from now on will not receive monthly state subsidies unless they can prove that they do not have enough income or resources to live on.
“I am worried that millions of elderly Thais will not get state support despite being poor,” 67-year-old Saiyud said.
She explained that it is not easy to prove one’s poverty given the various criteria that must be met. For example, she was refused a welfare card just because, with her children, her household income exceeds 100,000 baht a year.
“But in reality, my kids never give me…
