Elderly Residents Fear Funeral Aid Associations Collapsing, Worried About 30 Years of Contributions

On February 20, elderly residents from Buriram province who are members of various funeral aid associations are visiting bank offices and association representatives due to widespread rumors about potential closures. Boonma Janram, 72, shared her worry after hearing about multiple association closures, explaining she has paid 5-6,000 baht annually despite her family's financial struggles. Another member, Yaitu Chuen-ura, 74, who has been a member for 31 years, admitted to losing sleep over the potential collapse, having consistently paid 4,000-6,000 baht annually. Their primary goal in joining these associations was to ensure their families could afford funeral expenses without financial hardship. Both members are now hesitant about further contributions and are calling for intervention to prevent association closures.