Govt steps up help to vulnerable Thais

The government yesterday vowed to reach out to all vulnerable groups in society to help them gain equal access to assistance and the rights they are entitled to receive, adding that social problems have become more complicated with the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impacts.

Citing figures from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) last year, Social Development and Human Security Minister Chuti Krairiksh said an estimated 4.1 million people are considered to be vulnerable.

They include economically disadvantaged families with young children, single mothers, the elderly, the disabled, bedridden patients and the homeless, said the minister.

He was speaking at a ceremony held yesterday at Government House to mark the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was attended by 12 ministries and the Office of the Prime Minister. The ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The MoU deals with an agreement by these partners to integrate into their work efforts to reach out more to vulnerable people and ensure they gain sufficient access to rights, welfare and assistance. This is to be achieved in a five-year plan, said the minister.

The government aims to better tackle poverty and social disparities, said Gen Prayut.

He said all ministries need to ensure equal access for vulnerable people to state welfare.

Although help might get to some groups a bit due to various problems, the goal of ensuring all vulnerable people gain equal access to assistance and welfare from the state must be achieved, he said.

The PM also told all ministries to explain to these groups as their relatives or caretakers what rights and welfare they are entitled to receive and the need for them to protect their rights. “Many people didn’t actually know their rights until a problem arises and it is reported by the media, which prompt many to instantly point an accusing finger at the government,” said Gen Prayut.