Seniors' summer windfall

Since yesterday, seniors have been happily registering for the government's new liv¬ing allowance of Bt500 for six consecutive months.

"We were pretty thrilled when we heard about the government's helping hand," said Sawat Thanananthapong, with his wife by his side.

The couple, both aged 69, registered at the Chatuchak District Office in Bangkok.

Easing the family burden

Sawat said he and his wife had long relied on their children for food and basic necessities.

"That's quite a burden on them because they don't have steady jobs," the elderly father said.

Piranat Warattapop accompanied his 72yearold mother to the registration.

"This may not sound like a lot of money but at least it gives the elderly some income," Piranat said.

He hopes the government will consider extending the scheme.

Register by March 15

The government plans to hand out Bt500 per month between April and September to every senior who registers at their local administrative or district office by March 15.

Piengjai Wisarutrat, who heads the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Social Development Department, said large numbers showed up at every dis¬trict office in the capital yesterday.

"A queue formed at the Phra Khanong District Office before it had even opened," Piengjai said.

"The information in your household registration deter¬mines which office you must contact," she added.

Serm Tinakhad, 80, registered in his home province of Phichit.

'I am so relieved'

"This is the first time I've had financial support from the state. I am so relieved," he said.

Serm said he would spend the money on food. "Then, I won't have to be a burden on my children and grandchildren."

Phichit's Deputy Governor Yuthana Wiriyakitti has instructed every local administrative organisation to inform locals of the living allowance.

Down South, some 460 seniors turned up at the Mueang District Office of Narathiwat to register.

"I will make the most of the allowance," one grateful elderly man said.

While the livingallowance scheme will cover most Thai seniors, some may not qualify.

Elderly people who already receive income/welfare from the government or local administrative organisations are not eligible for the scheme, says the government.