Thailand
Civil groups urge political parties to strengthen national welfare net

Just last week a report was released claiming that Thailand is the most ‘un-equal’ country in the world, in the same company as Turkey, Russia and India. The Government swiftly dissed the report, deeming it as ‘unreliable’.
You can read about that report HERE.
Now the We Fair Network of 13 peak organisations has presented its proposals for reform of the country’s welfare system in seven parts to key political parties at a forum yesterday
They claim that national budgeting and the welfare system need serious reform if Thailand is to solve its grave problems of social inequality.
The group says improving the welfare system, making changes to tax collection and improving budget management were essential to solving the problem of wealth disparity and social inequality.
The Credit Suisse report named Thailand the most unequal country in the world, with 1 per cent of the population owning 66.9 per cent of the wealth.
The We Fair Network said progressive policies to create an efficient universal welfare system were necessary for combating the problem of gross social inequality. It also cautioned that the government’s approach to reducing poverty and social inequality by targeting social welfare at the poor only was misguided.
Decharut Sukkumnoed, an economics professor at Kasetsart University, said at the root of social disparity in Thailand was insufficient and poor-quality welfare as well unequal access to state welfare among citizens.
“Many poor people are unable to pursue their goals and improve their livelihoods because they do not get enough assistance from authorities to get good education, which is an important foundation in life,” Decharut said.
“Meanwhile, many middle-class people are also facing financial problems as they have to rely on expensive education and healthcare services from the private sector, because the quality of state welfare is poor.”
“We can boost the country’s revenue by cutting down tax deductions and benefits for direct investments and impose a progressive land tax or inheritance tax on those who can afford it to fund our welfare system.”
Read the rest of the report HERE.
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Environment3 hours ago
Dengue hasn’t gone away – Dengue fever in Thailand 2022, and how to avoid it
- Events6 hours ago
Visakha Bucha Day 2022. Today is the substitute public holiday.
- Best of4 days ago
Top 6 Private Villas in Thailand
- Best of1 hour ago
Siam Paragon wins the Best Luxury Shopping Mall 2022 Award
- Thailand4 days ago
Can digital nomads get a 10 year LTR visa in Thailand?
- Events4 days ago
The Bikini Beach Race to take place in Pattaya this October
- Phuket4 days ago
UPDATE: New details emerge on missing German tourist in Phuket
- Thailand3 days ago
First day of Thailand’s rainy season: heavy rain warning for 36 provinces
You must be logged in to post a comment Login