Bangkok: The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved an increase in disability allowances from 800 to 1,000 baht per month.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Disability Welfare Council (NDWC) is also expanding the loan limit for vocational training to 300,000 baht and is opening opportunities for relatives to serve as assistants to disabled individuals, providing them with a monthly compensation of 10,800 baht. These proposals are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet this month.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yotsanu Wongsawat, announced that the National Committee for the Promotion and Development of the Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities (NCQPD) meeting resolved to increase the disability allowance to ensure equal access for those without a state welfare card and under 18 years of age. Additionally, the committee approved a project to procure assistive devices using funds from the 2026 fiscal year budget, allocating 141 million baht for 17,000 items.
The National Committee on Quality of Life Development for Persons with Disabilities approved amendments to the National Action Plan, which include expanding the loan limit for vocational training to better address the current hardships faced by the public.
Adjustments will also be made to the living environment for people with disabilities and the certification of disability assistants. Relatives will now be allowed to become certified disability assistants. After completing training, they will receive 60 baht per hour for 6 hours per day, amounting to 10,800 baht per month, to support those who must leave their jobs to care for disabled family members.
Efforts are being made to encourage the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector. A report on this matter will be presented to the Cabinet to request cooperation from government agencies in hiring according to established criteria.
The Universal Design Act is in the process of being developed, involving experts and stakeholders from various sectors. This legislation aims to benefit both people with disabilities and an aging society, potentially attracting senior tourism and providing equal opportunities for disabled Thai citizens.
Mr. Kantapong Rangsisawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, stated that adjustments to disability allowances and subsidies for disability assistants should be submitted to the Cabinet meeting within this month. For salary assistance, training courses for disability assistants will be provided through cooperation with educational institutions offering nursing programs.
Disabled individuals must have a disability identification card to receive care. The employment of a disability assistant will end when the disability ceases, the disabled person dies, or they stop serving as a caregiver.