Income boost for Thai seniors in the works
Thai seniors, celebrating April 13 as the official National Elders’ Day, could see the monthly stipend for elderly and poor Thais double from Bt600 to Bt1,200-Bt1,500. MajGeneral Sansern Kaewkamnerd, government's spokesman said yesterday.
Prime Minister’s Office, said on Thursday that the government is studying details such as possible source of funds and asking more welltodo seniors to waive their entitlement in favour of the less privileged.
The government believes a hike in rate is needed taking into account current cost of living, Sansern said. Of the country’s 10 million elderly people, 2 million were said to be poor seniors who had registered under the government’s project to aid lowincome citizens, which was still open for more people until May 15.
Sansern said the government also aims to help the seniors earn income through 39,000 job openings this year.
