Title_ Social Policy and Community Welfare Management for Poverty Reduction in Thai Experiences: An Implication for Asian Countries

Author_ Montri Kunphoommarl and Sirinapa Kunphoommarl

Pages 59-86

Abstract_ This paper aims to provide an overview of the causes, consequences, and social policy of the Thai government towards poverty reduction by examining rural development strategies and experiences during the past two decades. Discussion is focused on the question of universalization of social protection from the national level down to the local level. We use an institutional approach to identify the roles of state administration and community welfare management in social protection schemes for local poor and disadvantaged groups. Social protection schemes will be surveyed in terms of social assistance, social security, and social insurance. Furthermore, community welfare management at the grassroots level in Phitsanulok province has been purposively selected for this paper. The management patterns of active community welfare organizations are described, analyzed, and evaluated in terms of activities implementation, member participation, and impact evaluation to tackle poverty and inequality. Factors affecting the effectiveness of community welfare management are also discussed in detail. Finally, the suggestions are employed in terms of the significant contributions of active participation of concerned stakeholders from Thai cases to other Asian countries.

Keywords_ Poverty reduction, Community welfare, Social protection