Monthly allowance for elderly Thais from April

Witoon, on his first day in office yesterday, commented on the policy for elderly citizens, saying the government assisted 1.8 million out of the country's seven million people aged over 60. But he would ensure the 5.2 million other senior citizens got a Bt500 allowance each month from April 13, which is Senior Citizens' Day.

He said he had also been asked by the premier to take a New Year's gift and letter to 84-year-old Grandma Niam in Ubon Ratchathani this morning (December 25) because she was one of his big supporters.

He said he would also give the Isaan gran a photo of Abhisit and her, which the premier had written his signature on.

Grandma Niam became famous when Abhisit mentioned her in a televised address after he became PM. He said Grandma Niam had given him a ring during a visit to Ubon late last year, and that he wore it as an expression of commitment to people in the Northeast.