Older persons are defined as individuals aged 60 years and over. They are entitled to protection, promotion, and support in the following areas:
Medical and Public Health Services
Older persons are provided with special dedicated service channels so that they can receive convenient and prompt services.
Education, Religion, and Information
Older persons are provided with community learning centers. Educational curricula about older persons are also offered continuously from basic education to higher education, through formal, non-formal, and informal education. In addition, there are various programs for older persons.
Employment and Appropriate Vocational Training
Older persons receive information, counseling, labor market news, job placement, job recruitment, career information services, job vacancy listings, training, and vocational training. Every employment office has a dedicated career information and job center for older persons.
Self-Development, Participation in Social Activities, and Networking / Community Groups
Older persons and senior citizens’ clubs receive promotion and support to take part in social activities within and/or between communities. Older persons are also encouraged to use their potential through more sports and recreational activities and the passing on of local wisdom.
Facilitation and Safety in Buildings, Premises, Vehicles, and Other Public Services
Older persons are provided with suitable environments, assistance from staff, convenient, prompt, and safe services, and accessible transportation.
Fare Reductions and Travel Facilitation
State Railway of Thailand: Older persons receive a 50% fare discount for all classes on all routes and the entire journey (excluding fees) from June to September. They do not need to queue for tickets. Waiting seats are provided at ticket counters, and staff help carry luggage.
Airport Rail Link: Older persons receive a 50% fare discount with a Senior Card. They travel free on National Elderly Day, 13 April each year.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): Older persons receive a 50% fare discount in accordance with the regulations. They travel free on National Elderly Day, 13 April each year.
BTS Skytrain: Elevators are available for older persons at Mo Chit, Siam, Asok, On Nut, and Chong Nonsi stations.
BMTA (Bangkok Mass Transit Authority) Buses: Older persons receive a 50% fare discount (excluding fees) all day. They travel free on National Elderly Day, 13 April each year, and reserved seats are provided for them.
Transport Co., Ltd. (Bor Kor Sor) Buses: Older persons receive a 50% fare discount (excluding fees). Rest areas and restrooms are also provided.
Thai Airways: Older persons get priority boarding.
Airports: Older persons are provided with facilities, including elevators, telephones, ramps, restrooms, rest areas, and pick-up and drop-off parking areas. Airlines are also required to let older passengers board first.
Chao Phraya Express Boats, Saen Saep Canal Boats, and Ferries: Older persons receive a 50% fare discount on regular passenger boats on the Chao Phraya River. These include Chao Phraya Express Boats (except the Green Flag special boats and Blue Flag tourist boats), Saen Saep Canal boats, and cross-river ferries.
Note: Older persons must inform staff and show their national ID card before buying tickets for public transport.
Free Admission to State-Owned Sites
Older persons get free admission to state-owned sites. Examples include national museums, national parks, historical parks, and tourist attractions run by the Forest Industry Organization and the Zoological Park Organization.
Assistance for Older Persons Harmed by Abuse, Unlawful Exploitation, or Abandonment
Older persons who are abused, unlawfully exploited, or abandoned receive advice, counseling, and assistance. Help is provided under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s announcement on the criteria, procedures, and conditions for protecting, promoting, and supporting such older persons. This includes advice, counseling, and other actions related to resolving family problems.
Advice, Counseling, and Other Legal and Family-Related Assistance
Older persons who are abused, unlawfully exploited, or abandoned receive advice, counseling, and assistance. Help is provided under the same Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announcement. This includes advice, counseling, and other actions related to legal cases and family problems.
Assistance with Housing, Food, and Clothing as Necessary
Older persons in hardship receive housing, food, and clothing as needed. Help is provided under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s announcement on the criteria, procedures, and conditions for this assistance.
Old-Age Allowance
Older persons may receive a monthly allowance for life if they meet these conditions:
- They hold Thai nationality.
- They do not regularly receive other welfare or benefits from a government agency, state enterprise, or local administrative organization.
The allowance increases in steps by age:
| Age | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| 60–69 years | 600 baht |
| 70–79 years | 700 baht |
| 80–89 years | 800 baht |
| 90 years and over | 1,000 baht |
Funeral Assistance According to Tradition
To qualify, the older person must:
- Be aged 60 years or over
- Hold Thai nationality
- Belong to a poor household according to the Basic Minimum Needs (BMN) data of the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or Pattaya City
- Have no relatives, or have relatives who are too poor to hold a traditional funeral
Some poor older persons may not be included in the BMN survey. In that case, one of the following officials can issue a certificate: a mayor, a Subdistrict Administrative Organization chief executive, a subdistrict headman (kamnan), a village headman, a community chairperson, a district office director, a district chief, or the Mayor of Pattaya. Eligible cases receive 2,000 baht each.
Tourism, Sports, and Recreation Services as Announced by the National Committee on the Elderly
Tourism: Activities and programs are organized for older persons.
Sports and Recreation: Older persons can receive health check-ups and physical fitness tests. They can use stadiums, health parks, aerobics areas, pétanque courts, and fitness rooms. They can also join activities such as sports competitions and ballroom dancing, and apply for membership in the Suphachalasai Club.
Services at Museums, Historical Sites, and the National Archives, and Religious, Art, and Cultural Activities as Announced by the National Committee on the Elderly
Services are provided directly for older persons. These include elevators, level floors, stair handrails, ramps, bathroom grab bars, staff to assist and keep older persons safe, and wheelchairs.
Income Tax Deductions and Tax Deductions for Donations to the Elderly Fund
Persons who support their parents can claim a 30,000-baht income tax deduction. People who donate property or money to the Elderly Fund can use the receipts to claim a tax deduction.
Elderly Fund
Older persons can take out interest-free loans to start or run a business, either individually or as a group. Loans are repaid in installments within 3 years.
