People wearing face masks sit on chairs as they queue to file complaints for not yet receiving the 5,000 Thai baht (150 USD) financial assistance for those whose income is impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, in front of the Public Relations Department in Bangkok on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

 

Thailand’s economy has been hit hard by the COVID-19 fallout, with numerous layoffs, working hours cut and people’s income plunging.

 

The government has implemented a raft of relief packages to keep businesses and households afloat. But the safety net provided by the state has not been enough to prevent many falling further into crisis and debt. Many people are now calling for the Thai government to adopt levels of social protection seen in the welfare states of Scandinavia.

 

Will the pandemic lead to a welfare state?

“Crises are often followed by an expansion of social protection. For example, the 1997 financial crisis led to the implementation of compensation for laid-off workers,” said Somchai Jitsuchon, research director at the Thailand Development Research Institute.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-covid-19-give-birth-to-a-welfare-state-in-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-03-25

 

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from an attached picture it's clear, that very many people were offered felp, but money never came.

They are going nowhere sitting in the shade.

To get anywhere, political change is necessary. Radical, and beyond radical.

And that what protesters on streets are demanding.

But they should look beyond "capitalism with human face". 

Capitalists will always be rich and getting richer (even during economic crisis, like now pandemic) and the great majority can only beg for scrumbs from the employers table

How can they become dependent on handouts, when very few have actually occurred, and not even half of those affected by unemployment in the tourism sector or the economic downturn have been given any assistance.  However, the Government officials and Junta are all prospering still, something rotten in Thailand and it aint the Pla Ra.

On 3/25/2021 at 11:50 AM, snoop1130 said:

Will the pandemic lead to a welfare state?

it's just a pity humanity needs crisis as to understand there shouldn't be billionaires at one side and on the other,   indigents who can't afford a meal! this is not being socialist, it's just common sense, and this pandemic has showed it again, it hits the rich as well as the poor. there is one humanity: we live and die together, a welfare state is a must

A welfare system like in Scandinavia. Are people also prepared to pay taxes like in Scandinavia ?