Bangkok: The Board for Persons with Disabilities has approved a universal allowance of 1,000 baht and an expanded loan limit of 300,000 baht, and is preparing to submit the proposal to the Cabinet for urgent approval.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), chaired a meeting of the National Committee for the Promotion and Development of the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities (NCQPD) at Government House. The meeting included Mr. Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), permanent secretaries from 10 key ministries, and representatives from various disability organizations.
Following the meeting, Mr. Yotsanu revealed that the committee approved a comprehensive set of measures aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. These include the critical resolution to increase the monthly disability allowance from 800 baht to 1,000 baht universally. This increase will primarily benefit individuals with disabilities who currently do not possess a state welfare card, thereby equating their benefits with the 1.2 million disabled adults and the 110,000 disabled children under 18 who already receive this support.
To accommodate this increase, an additional 5,257 million baht is needed in the annual budget, raising the total allocation for disability allowances to 27,677 million baht. This new budget will ensure comprehensive care for all disabled individuals.
Mr. Nikorn also announced enhancements to promote employment and care for people with disabilities. The meeting approved a loan limit increase for business purposes from 120,000 baht to 300,000 baht, applicable to borrowers with a reliable payment history. Furthermore, relatives or family members can now serve as disability assistants, provided they undergo proper training and certification. They will be compensated at 60 baht per hour, potentially earning up to 18,000 baht per month. A budget of 184.159 million baht has been allocated for this initiative in 2026.
Additionally, a subcommittee has been appointed to advance the implementation of the Universal Design Act. Mr. Yoschanan highlighted the significance of restoring dignity to people with disabilities and emphasized the need for Thailand's transportation system to support equal opportunities. Amendments to regulations will allow the use of electronic disability identification cards and enable individuals with permanent disabilities to hold lifetime ID cards without renewal.
The meeting also approved a fiscal budget of 141 million baht for 2026 to procure 17,000 assistive devices and prosthetics for disabled individuals. The committee acknowledged the progress in employing people with disabilities, with 5,702 individuals already employed in 2025, against a target of 18,924.
Mr. Yoschanan concluded by emphasizing that caring for people with disabilities requires integration across all ministries, not just the Ministry of Social Development and Human Resources. He asserted that Thailand will strive to match global standards in the care of its disabled citizens.