National Senior Committee To Establish Elderly People Development Foundation

[Jai Dee]

National Senior Committee to establish Elderly People Development Foundation

The Vice President of the National Elderly People Committee, Md. Banlu Siripanit, said more than 80 percent of the old people in Thailand have not been looked after by the government. He has also pushed for the establishment of the Elderly People Development Foundation as it could provide complete services to the elders.

Md. Banlu is preparing to register for the establishment of this foundation. It will gather information and knowledge relating to Thai and foreign senior citizens, and they will be used to improve the old people’s quality of life in Thailand. The foundation has received a budget of one million baht, and the registration fee is 200,000 baht. The remaining amount will be used in the operation of this organization.

Md. Banlu said there were constant changes in the Social Development and Human Security Minister’s post over the past, and the changes halted the ministry’s operation. Moreover, the ministry mainly focused on the elderly public health more than their education even though 80 percent of the old people were already in good health. He added that the Ministry of Social Development and Human did not help the elders to have advanced knowledge.

Associate Professor Sasipat Yodpetch (ศศิพัฒน์ ยอดเพชร), the Faculty of Social Administration lecturer at Thammasat University, said the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has granted a budget of 1,128,760 baht to establish the Multi-Purpose Center for Senior Citizens in Communities. The center will offer complete services to the senior citizens, particularly in safety, health, activities to develop their potentials and career opporutnies. The center would ensure social equality and also provide assistance to all family members and people in the communities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 October 2006