More detailed posts on this matter coming up...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...tate-on-agenda

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Govt puts welfare state on agenda

  • Published: 14/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: News

The government plans to press ahead with its scheme to develop a social welfare state and put an end to populist policies, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says.

The plan to transform the country into a social welfare state is on the national agenda, Mr Abhisit told a seminar on social welfare organised yesterday by parliament and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry.

The prime minister said the government would ensure adequate social welfare benefits reached every possible segment of society within six to seven years.

The plan to create a social welfare system was a key feature of the 11th national economic and social development plan.

Mr Abhisit said past governments tended to roll out measures in the form of charity to help poor people. Those in power were selective as to who they wanted to help and when.

He said a social welfare state policy was intended to address social, economic and political problems.

Welfare schemes must be designed to eradicate poverty as many poor people still had no access to public health services and were still deprived of basic human needs, which contribute to social inequalities. This has adverse repercussions on national security.

Mr Abhisit said Thailand would become an ageing society in the next 20 years and the government must make preparations to ensure there were enough funds to look after elderly people.

He said the government would steer clear of populist policies as the public deserved the right to welfare provided by the state no matter who was in power.

State welfare should not be thought of as an act of politicians dispensing favours and largesse to the poor.

"State welfare is a right that the people deserve to enjoy," he said, Mr Abhisit said a study by the Asian Development Bank showed "charity measures" only covered between 60% and 70% of the target groups while the rest were still in dire need of assistance and had been left in the lurch.He said the government must also ensure welfare schemes, which would be funded by high taxes, must not put a strain on state spending.