First reading today of bill raising subsidies for elderly poor
The draft law that seeks to increase monthly subsidies for low-income, elderly citizens undergoes its first reading by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Wednesday.
At present, the government offers monthly subsidies of between Bt600 and Bt1,000.
Those aged between 60 and 69 get Bt600 a month each, those aged between 70 and 79 get Bt700, those aged between 80 and 89 old get Bt800, and those older than 90 receive Bt1,000 each.
Jetn Sirathranont, spokesman for the NLA whip committee, revealed on Tuesday that the Elderly Bill included a clause that sought to allocate 2 per cent of so-called “sin taxes” for the additional payment of elderly subsidies.
“Only the elderly with little income and without any form of pension will get the additional subsidy of Bt100 a month, according to a clause in the bill,” Jetn said.
He added that the bill also sought to spend parts of the sin taxes on improving housing for the elderly.