Caught amidst an intense political climate, the streets of Bangkok vibrate with tension. Two parties, the Move Forward and Thai Sang Thai, have expressed public outrage against the current caretaker administration led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The reason? A new controversial legislation that caps income-earning ceilings for those who are eligible for elderly pensions.
This regulation, which was recently signed into law by the interim Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, and propagated in the Royal Gazette, has become effective since August 12. The earlier legislation promised monthly stipends ranging between 600 and 1000 baht to every senior citizen. Payments increased proportionally with age, with the oldest demographic, 90 years and above, receiving the maximum amount.
The key distinction lays in Item 6 (4) of the newest regulation: only those devoid of income, or those with income levels inadequate for sustenance, are considered viable candidates for such age-based allowances. This is in stark contrast from the universal coverage that had been granted earlier. It’s still unclear though how this transition will impact the approximately 11 million citizens of Thailand who are currently reaping the benefits of the program.
This change has incited growing concerns among the population. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a list MP of Move Forward, voiced concern about the lack of clarity around how people turning 60 would register for, and receive, the allowance if they discovered they couldn’t meet their needs, under the new criterion.
This transition from universal coverage to situation-specific selection, has created a predicament for the elderly population, who now have to prove their lack of financial stability for aid eligibility. Wiroj argues that it breaches Section 11 (11) of the Elderly People Act – a legislature focused on universal and fair monthly payments for the old. This controversial turn of events may even precipitate litigation before the Administrative Court.
Similarly, the leader of Thai Sang Thai Party, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, has expressed her vehement disagreement with the new rule. Labeling it as both discriminatory, and a violation of the principle of universal coverage, Khunying Sudarat urges action for the welfare of the nation’s elderly.
Both parties championed a harmonious stance of a universal monthly allowance of 3000 baht to be given to every elderly citizen during their campaigns for the general elections held on May 14th. The newly enacted legislation stands in stark contrast to these promises and raises the ominous question of where our society is heading in terms of care for our most vulnerable members.
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