Calls for end to child subsidy ‘exclusions’

More than 100 civic groups are calling for a subsidy programme, which currently offers financial help to babies and toddlers from poor families, to be made universal to ensure no one is left behind.

Led by expert on social welfare Sunee Chaiyaros, the groups have submitted an open letter to the government urging an extension of coverage of the Child Support Grant (CSG) to solve the problem of “exclusion errors”.

Citing findings by the Thailand Development Research Institute, social activists note that about 30% of infants and toddlers who are eligible for financial assistance do not get the help they need.

The CSG scheme, which was introduced in 2015, hands out a monthly subsidy for basic welfare for newborn babies and toddlers from poor families.

Families with an average monthly income of l ess than 3,000 baht per person receive a subsidy of 600 baht per month to help ensure the decent care of young children.

Ms Sunee said while the government has initiated a number of “universal” aid schemes, including free education, they use “income” as a condition to judge which children should receive assistance and as a result put their development at risk.

She said the civic groups, of which there are 109 in total, agree with the national committee on children and youth development promotion’s decision to push for the expanded programme to cover every baby and toddler.

According to Ms Sunee, the aid scheme is worth investing in as it promotes early development and it is also in line with the government’s aim of guaranteeing children’s rights to care and welfare.

Silada Rangsikanphum, of the Foundation for Slum Child Care, said a monthly subsidy of 600 baht is a life saver for many families, especially for teenage single mothers.

“In a slum community in Klong Toey, some young mothers aren’t prepared and they tend to abandon their babies. But this scheme has changed the minds of several,” she said.