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Social Indicators 2013
Chapter 5
Social welfare
Social welfare is recognized as one of the state’s important mission so as
to enable the Thai population to build up their lives security. Thailand has seen
the importance of social welfare by defining in section 80 of the Constitution of
the Kingdom of Thailand, B.E. 2550 (2007) “The State shall pursue directive
principle of policies in relation to Social Affairs, Public Health, Education and
Cultural Affairs” as the government’s responsibility to protect and develop
children and youth, promote gender equality, and strengthen family ties as well as
community integrity. The government shall also help the elderly, disadvantaged
groups, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups to uplift their quality of
life and attain self-reliance.
Social protection in Thailand has been developed continuously for the
past years, basic social protection has been set and kept changing the patterns
so as to fit with the complex issues caused by economic growth and social
complexity. Also the private sectors and communities have recognized and
participated in the society commitment by providing some forms of social
welfare to communities. In view of this, the Ministry of Social Development and
Human Security (MSDHS) as the key agency responsible for arranging social
welfare services to fully cover the target groups so as to enable them to live
with a healthy life and become self-reliant. However, it still cannot cover the
target population thoroughly due to the budget constraint.
The National Statistical Office has gathered information only part of
social welfare, which may reflect the status of social welfare practicing
currently.