ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the needs of specific target groups regarding early childhood welfare to establish criteria for conditional welfare and develop a suitable model within the Thai context. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative segment involved 800 parents of early childhood children from urban and rural areas, while the qualitative segment included 76 parents and teachers, and 9 early childhood education experts. Quantitative data were analyzed with statistical methods such as percentages, means, medians, standard deviations, interquartile ranges, and Paired Sample T-tests to derive modified Priority Need Index (PNI) values. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively to interpret insights from interviews and Delphi consultations. The findings highlight that economic needs are the highest priority for both urban and rural groups. The study recommends a conditional welfare model combining universal welfare with conditional cash transfers. This model would provide uniform payments to all children, with subsidy eligibility contingent upon meeting three criteria: health, education, and parental training. It is also suggested that the government implement a One-Stop Service system and develop an online platform for comprehensive early childhood information management to enhance access and verification.

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