Bangkok: The second day of the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" initiative saw a bustling atmosphere as numerous participants began utilizing their benefits, following the program's launch on a public holiday. Shops reported a noticeable uptick in sales, with initial spending exceeding 2,039 million baht and participation by over 8.7 million individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, a survey conducted at the Ministry of Finance market on the second day of the project highlighted that many individuals were accessing their benefits for the first time on June 2. The holiday launch on June 1 meant that many participants commenced their spending only after returning to work. The benefits were primarily used to purchase prepared food, consumer goods, and household items.
Program participants expressed that the government's 60% subsidy, complemented by the public's 40% contribution, significantly eased their living expenses. This arrangement enabled them to acquire more food, consumer goods, and essential items. While some initially faced challenges understanding the usage details provided online, the program was overall perceived positively, enhancing household purchasing power amid rising living costs.
Shop owners noted that the holiday launch day affected their ability to operate normally. However, upon reopening, they experienced a significant rise in sales compared to the period before the project started. They believe the initiative has successfully stimulated spending, increased shop revenues, and lessened the public's financial strains.
The Ministry of Finance reported that on June 1, the first project day, total spending reached 2,039.74 million baht by 11:00 PM. This comprised a government co-payment of 1,184 million baht and a public co-payment of 855 million baht, with 8,724,402 individuals making purchases through over 896,000 registered merchants nationwide.
The "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project is designed to counteract the high cost of living, bolster purchasing power, and invigorate the grassroots economy by enhancing income for small retailers and community enterprises across the nation.