Yotsanan chaired the National Child Board meeting, approving a universal birth grant of 600 baht for children aged 0 to 6, while promoting policies to encourage births and quality development of Thai children under the “2,500 Wonderful Days” initiative to tackle the population crisis.
On 15 July 2026 at the Government House, the 2/2026 meeting of the National Child and Youth Development Promotion Committee (NCYDPC) was held. Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanan Wongsawat chaired the committee, joined by Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, along with senior officials and civil society representatives. The meeting aimed to expedite key policies to enhance the quality of life for Thai children and youth in all aspects.
During the meeting, Yotsanan said that promoting and developing children and youth is a major challenge for Thailand, which is rapidly becoming an aging society combined with a declining birth rate. Therefore, the key goal is to ensure children and youth are born with quality and productivity, amid global changes in economy, technology, and climate. Development must keep pace with these changes.
Yotsanan emphasized, “Promotion and development of children and youth must be comprehensive across all dimensions, including physical and mental health, life skills, and future vocational skills through appropriate welfare and services to reduce inequality and provide equal opportunities.”
He also stressed the importance of encouraging participation from children and youth themselves, so they can express their needs or obstacles affecting their lives, with adults supporting, advocating for their needs, and removing barriers, allowing children and youth to grow with quality.
A key resolution approved by the meeting was to provide universal childcare subsidies of 600 baht per child per month for those aged 0-6, starting from fiscal year 2027 onwards. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will expedite submitting this to the Cabinet for approval. To facilitate convenience and reduce waiting times for the public, the meeting also approved removing the step of publicly announcing eligible recipients to simplify registration and help children receive benefits more quickly.
Another resolution was to advance policies promoting births and quality development of Thai children under the “2,500 Wonderful Days” concept. The meeting agreed to make development during the first 2,500 days of life a national priority to address the population crisis and enhance human capital development. This measure emphasizes community-based care mechanisms, cross-ministry integration, and supports developing the National Early Childhood Data Platform.
The meeting also approved the 10-year strategic plan (2025-2031) of the Thai Child and Youth Council, covering six main development areas: 1. Education development aligned with the 21st century, 2. Mental and overall wellbeing, 3. Expanding employment opportunities, 4. Ensuring meaningful participation, 5. Addressing climate change impacts, and 6. Prevention and response to violence against children and youth.
Additionally, the meeting assigned the Ministry of Education to promote youth representation in the Education Commission mechanisms of the House of Representatives.