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Thailand’s Health Minister vows to fight NESDB health volunteer reward cuts

13 Sept 09:22 Key points summarised by AI

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul strongly opposes the National Economic and Social Development Board's (NESDB) plan to reduce monthly payments for 1.05 million public health volunteers.
The NESDB proposes cutting the 500 Baht monthly payment for health volunteers, who have been crucial in COVID-19 prevention, to only seven months.
Minister Anutin vows to defend these payments at the upcoming Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the volunteers' sacrifices and hard work on the frontline.
He asserts the payments are funded within a 10 billion baht allocation from the government's one trillion baht pandemic relief loan, earmarked for critical projects.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.