A bank staffer handles an inquiry by an elderly woman who registered with the bank to receive state welfare for low-income people. People who have an annual income of less than 100,000 baht should make sure they quickly apply so they would be entitled to state assistance. Mr Somchai said the ministry is considering assistance measures for those living below the poverty line. The government launched its assistance programme for the poor in 2016, when some 8.27 million people applied. This year, the government is replacing blanket poverty assistance cash handouts with electronic payments under the national e-payment scheme, where welfare and subsidies can be directed to the recipients.

Source: Bangkok Post May 15, 2017 03:22 UTC