A growing number of organizations in Thailand are expressing concern about the huge benefits promised by political parties and their possible long-term implications for the country's finances.
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) stated in a recent report that welfare policies need to focus on specific areas such as education and specific populations in order to tackle inequality effectively.
The TDRI research team, led by Nonarit Bisonyabuta, said last week that the new government should take into account the following possible problems when implementing social welfare programs:
Allocation of a large budget for long-term social programs may have a negative impact on the country's financial situation. The lack of a clear definition of the criteria and amounts of assistance may lead to redundant programs and the overlap of existing schemes.
TDRI emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach in the design of social assistance programs such as education support or newborn benefits. The organization also highlights the importance of targeting programs to specific populations, providing financial assistance only to those in the extremely low income bracket.
"The benefits that have already been offered have been ineffective. Some people in need do not receive public assistance, while people who are not eligible receive support. Such problems need to be addressed, and social assistance must be timely and meet the urgent needs of the current situation" , notes Nonarit.
The Move Forward Party, which is working to form a coalition, has presented a list of 300 laws to reform Thailand. Political commitments include raising the minimum daily wage to 450 baht, issuing vouchers for vocational training and food, and creating more than 100,000 jobs.
In light of the data presented and TDRI's recommendations, the future of social assistance in Thailand must be based on the efficient and transparent use of limited resources. Efforts should be made to more precisely define the criteria and amounts of assistance in order to avoid budget overruns and program overlaps. In addition, strengthening support for education and targeting the most vulnerable populations will help fight inequality and ensure social well-being for all Thai citizens.
