The government’s newborn allowance has attracted 136,000 poor applicants, beyond the target of 128,000, with 76% approved, spokesman Sansern Kaewkumnerd said on Saturday. The allowance of 400 baht per month -- called a "baby bonus" in some countries -- was introduced for the 2016 fiscal year that ends this month. Maj Gen Sansern said 136,490 people had applied for the money and 103,389 had received approval. By province, the highest number of applicants came from Pattani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima and Narathiwat, Maj Gen Sansern said. The allowance was initiated last year to encourage good care of newborn children.

Source: Bangkok Post September 10, 2016 09:56 UTC