Spotlight on ballooning welfare spending (opens original article in a new tab)

Thailand's government faces challenges balancing welfare spending, which has grown to over 66% of the annual budget, as it revises eligibility criteria to better target those in need while addressing fiscal constraints.

• Thailand's welfare spending has increased significantly, accounting for over 66% of the government's annual budget in 2024.
• The government revised welfare card eligibility criteria to target genuinely poor individuals, removing some restrictions after public backlash.
• Welfare expenditures include civil servant benefits, public healthcare, and social programs, with rising concerns over fiscal sustainability.