The Development and Solutions of Welfare Management Approaches in Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objectives: At present, the issue of welfare management approaches in Thailand has once again garnered public attention, as people have become increasingly aware of the critical role of welfare systems in mitigating risks and providing social protection during times of crisis, such as economic downturns, pandemics, and natural disasters. However, Thailand’s existing approaches to welfare management remain insufficiently responsive to emerging risks and structural changes. This highlights the need for a systematic review of past developments and approaches to welfare management in the Thai context. Such a review is essential for understanding the models Thailand has adopted, identifying their structural weaknesses, and exploring appropriate alternatives for the future. In summary, this academic article aims to utilize historical insights into Thailand’s welfare development as a foundational concept for seeking practical and context-appropriate solutions for the welfare management of Thailand in the future.

Methods: This study is based on documentary research, gathering information from relevant sources such as textbooks, annual reports, academic articles, and theses. The researcher analyzed and categorized the data obtained from the literature review. The analysis begins with an examination of the development of welfare management in Thailand, focusing on its dynamics and transformation under various social structures, class relations, and organizational patterns throughout different historical periods. The results of this analysis were then used to critically assess existing problems and propose appropriate solutions suited to the Thai context.

Results: The findings reveal that a root problem in Thailand’s welfare management lies in the lack of clarity and consistency between state-led welfare systems and alternative welfare models. This parallel structure continues to present challenges and is expected to remain a topic of national academic debate. Therefore, the researcher therefore considers that strengthening alternative welfare approaches in Thailand to the extent that they can be developed into mainstream welfare policies alongside state-provided welfare constitutes a compelling issue for future research. In particular, further study is warranted to examine how the establishment of a clear position or role—together with the promotion and support of effective participation from all sectors in alternative welfare provision—can be realized in practice, and how such efforts may concretely contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life and overall well-being.

Application of this study: The researcher hopes that this academic article contributes to clarifying and systematizing alternative welfare management approaches in Thailand. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage critical inquiry into the formulation of welfare policies that are appropriate and responsive to the current Thai context.

Conclusions: Based on the review of the development and practical approaches to welfare management in Thailand, the author was able to synthesize relevant secondary data and academic knowledge to identify three main directions for addressing the challenges of welfare management in the Thai context. These are 1) promoting and advancing alternative welfare approaches through social media and digital platforms, which refers to creating public spaces for the exchange of ideas and for mobilizing support for alternative welfare models; 2) clarifying and systematizing alternative welfare approaches, which means developing both conceptual and operational frameworks to enhance the clarity of alternative welfare practices; and 3) advancing the welfare policy in Thailand, which means ensuring that alternative welfare models gain recognition at the policy level, on par with state-led welfare systems, so that they can serve as an important mechanism for improving the quality of life of the population.