From the mother’s womb to the bottom of the sediment: welfare state, housing rights the right to education, the right to health, the right to labour.”
On May 2, 2022, at the Theatre Room, Puey 100 Years Learning Park, Thammasat University
Rangsit Centre, Khlong Luang District Pathum Thani Province
People’s Network for the Welfare State
Situation / Problem
- In the 2017 constitutional law, the state has a duty to provide welfare to the “poor people” or “people with insufficient income”, causing the welfare to be uneven, unequal, and not cover all people.
- Welfare provision of the state focuses on helping people in specific groups. Regardless of human dignity, for example, the disability pension is 800 baht per month, but for people with disabilities who have a government welfare card, add 200 baht to 1,000 baht. More than 100,000 baht per year. Child subsidies only for poor families and the payment of pension for the elderly in a ladder of 600 – 1,000 baht that the amount does not correspond to the economic conditions, etc. The budget used for welfare with work that supports people to live on their own in a sustainable way change the welfare system to support access to welfare based on.
- Thailand’s income from tax collection has decreased. There are many reasons such as tax deduction. Corporate income tax exemption to promote investment inheritance tax exemption If the value of the inheritance is less than 100 million baht, etc., the government cannot use fiscal policies to reduce inequality and create fairness in society.
- The way of thinking of governments and government agencies still see “Providing welfare to the people universally” creates obligations on the state budget. affecting the country’s fiscal position in the future From the example of pushing the law on savings to use instead. The payment of pension for the elderly, etc.
- Investment in human resources. It is also a matter of individuality. through a competitive process compete for access to better resources It’s not a matter of social participation. or the will of the state
Dream image of the People’s Constitution
- to clearly state the intent of the Constitution “Thailand will move towards becoming a welfare state country”
- Determination of welfare rights by the state for all citizens on the land of Thailand universally to access welfare rights in various fields as a citizen of the country
- Tax reform, especially wealth tax, to extract resources from the wealthiest and distribute them fairly. By increasing government income for payment to a universal welfare system (Universal Welfare System) and prioritizing budget re-allocation (Budget Reprioritization) by focusing on providing welfare to all people as a priority.
General chapters agree with the guidelines of the edition. The Assembly of the Poor, however, proposed the following additions: Section of rights and liberties of individuals the welfare state Agree with all the proposals of the Poor People’s Assembly. There is a proposal to adjust the words as follows.
2.1 Welfare state
2.1.1 Public health, education, pension system, and public transport are fundamental rights that the State must provide equally. thorough (changed to universal) and fair
2.1.2 Public health
- The right to receive standardized health care services. Free medical treatment from public health facilities
- Public health services must be comprehensive. effective Consolidate health funds into a single system and encourage local government organizations and private sector participation
- Prevention and elimination of dangerous communicable diseases. The state must provide it free of charge and in a timely manner.
2.1.3 Education
- The right to comprehensive, quality and free education or vocational training up to tertiary education or equivalent.
- The state must support the cost of living during education.
- People with disabilities or people in difficult circumstances need equal rights and support.
- The State must protect and promote education management of professional or private organizations. alternative education self-learning and lifelong learning
2.1.4 Cost of living
- Have the right to receive living expenses from the state enough to support life and self-development according to the age range from birth to old age.
- Mothers and fathers have the right during the period before and after the birth of the child to protection and assistance from the state.
- All persons aged 60 years and over are entitled to monthly living expenses. as a guarantee of income with an amount not lower than the poverty line set by the National Economic and Social Development Council
2.1.5 Public transport
- Have the right to receive efficient, comprehensive, safe public transport services at fair prices.
2.1.6 Residence
- Right to access housing at a reasonable and fair price.
- States must limit housing ownership and distribute housing ownership. in accordance with
the way of life and culture
1. Housing business, condominium housing must not compete for resources until the impact on the former community.