Pheu Thai ‘declares war on poverty’

Pheu Thai has unveiled a flagship welfare policy pledging annual cash top-ups of up to 36,000 baht for low-income earners, aiming to lift an estimated 3.4 million people above the national poverty line.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Deputy party leader Paopoom Rojanasakul said yesterday the “Thais Without Poverty” policy is based on the country’s official poverty threshold of around 3,000 baht per month, or 36,000 baht a year.

Anyone earning below that level would receive a state-funded top-up to ensure their annual income reaches the minimum threshold, he said.

Under the proposal, individuals with no income would receive the full 36,000 baht a year, while those earning 10,000 baht annually would receive a 26,000-baht supplement.