"This is the fruit of the 2003 Elderly People Act, which has gradually been implemented over the past three years," said Kitti Samanthai.

"Altogether 11 ministries have agreed to implement the act," he said.

As each ministry is responsible for implementing the part of the act that relates to itself, the Transport Ministry is now in charge of setting up the reduced-price fares, Kitti said.

According to the legislation, citizens aged over 60 will be entitled to half-price tickets on public buses, trains and the subway and 15 per cent off air fares on Thai Airways and Phuket Airlines.

However, there are conditions for each reduction.

"The half-price railway tickets will be available from June to September and the subway tickets from July 3, 2007 to July 2, 2008. Reduced fares for inter-provincial buses will be available on tickets purchased between 9.30am and 3pm every day, and the air-fare reductions are exclusive of other additional fees," Kitti explained.

Additional measures from a 1996 act that is also to be implemented include a special counter for the elderly at hospitals and a nationwide programme to install signs identifying facilities for old people such as lifts or walkways.

"Elderly people living in Bangkok who don't work will be entitled to a Bt500-per-month pension while those living outside Bangkok will get Bt300 per month," said Kitti.

"They will also get free entry to museums and national parks."

He added that his ministry would register elderly people around the country in order to cooperate with communities to arrange activities for them.

Meanwhile, the Transport Company has announced plans to reduce all its tickets by 15 per cent from December 1-15 in celebration of Father's Day.