The cabinet in Thailand has approved in principle a proposal to raise the monthly living allowance for people with disabilities from 800 baht to 1,000 baht (around 30$), as part of efforts to help them cope with the rising cost of living, Bangkok Post reports.
The increase – proposed by the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department – will cost the state about 4.85 billion baht. The funds will be drawn from the Pracharath fund for grassroots economy and society.
Social Development and Human Security Ministry has been ordered to work with the Finance Ministry to work out the budget details. The 200-baht increase will benefit about two million people with disabilities who are registered and eligible for state aid. The increase is likely to take effect on Oct 1. As of December last year, about 2.02 million people with disabilities were receiving an 800-baht a month allowance.
The increase was proposed following a series of public hearings and studies into ways to improve people with disabilities’ quality of life carried out by the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department. A study found most people with disabilities live in rural areas and their average monthly income was 4,326.52 baht.
