The ministry is screening 14 million of those who registered for state welfare. The government plans to start giving handouts to the impoverished to cover utility bills, transport and daily necessities on October 1. Among those registering for state assistance, a third are senior citizens, suggesting that people are not saving enough for retirement. Critics, however, harbour doubts about the accuracy of the data and cost-effectiveness of the social welfare programme. Income inequality in Thailand is the worst in Asean, with the richest 10 per cent of the population having 22 times the income of the poorest 10 per cent.

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 25, 2017 18:11 UTC