Release date: August 18, 2023 06:41
Protesters are preparing to throw paper planes into the grounds of the Ministry of Finance main building as protesters protest new regulations restricting their access to benefits and benefits. The new policy went into effect on Saturday.Nattawat Wichi Ambat
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has vowed to protect benefits for the elderly following the introduction of new regulations limiting access for many older people.
The new regulation was signed by Minister of Home Affairs Anupong Paojinda, Royal Gazette It went into effect on Friday and went into effect on Saturday.
Under the new regulations, only older people with no income or with insufficient income to cover their living expenses are entitled to monthly allowances from the state.
However, a provisional provision of the new ordinance states that the new criteria for the payment of old-age allowances will not apply to those who have registered for the allowance with the local government before August 12, 2023 and are currently receiving the allowance. Those who are are not affected.
Under the old regulations, local governments were to pay a universal allowance of 600-1,000 baht per month to all seniors, with 600 baht for those aged 60-69, 700 baht for those aged 70-79, and 700 baht for those aged 80-89. It was 800 baht. , 1,000 Baht for those over 90 years old.
About 100 members of groups advocating welfare benefits gathered in front of the province on Thursday to demand the reinstatement of the old universal benefit system. Critics said the new rules limit access to universal health care for the elderly.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Anukul Peedkaew, said the National Senior Citizens’ Board needs to develop further criteria for who receives welfare benefits for the elderly.
He told the group that the ministry will stand by the elderly and protect their benefits. He argued that seniors who currently receive monthly allowances would not be affected, and that a new National Senior Citizens Commission to be set up by the new government would work out the details of payment requirements.
He added that about 11 million people over the age of 60 are currently receiving benefits every month, which requires an annual budget of 87 billion baht.
More than 14 million seniors will receive benefits next year, which will require a budget of 110 billion baht, he said.
