Bangkok: Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has decided to abandon the "40 Baht Rice and Curry" initiative aimed at subsidizing raw material costs for vendors, after facing substantial public criticism and opposition from various parties.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative, also known as "Thai Rice and Curry Helps Thai People," was intended to seek Cabinet approval for funding to help vendors manage the cost of raw materials. This proposal emerged from discussions about finding ways to reduce living costs for essential daily necessities, following a decrease in energy prices. However, energy prices are just one factor affecting the cost of rice and curry. Other factors include raw materials, cooking gas, labor, and rent, which involve multiple governmental agencies.
The Ministry of Commerce has been working on these issues through the "Thai Helps Thai: Reduce the Burden of Living" project, which began on April 1, 2026. This initiative aims to monitor and control the prices of essential ingredients, ensuring affordability for the public. Additionally, the Ministry is facilitating direct connections between restaurants and farmers to reduce costs and support both parties.
Given the opposition to the "40 Baht Rice and Curry" plan, the Ministry has decided to suspend the proposal. The decision reflects a willingness to consider public opinion and avoid implementing measures that might disrupt market mechanisms. Many have argued that affordable rice and curry options already exist, while others believe the solution lies beyond the Ministry's scope. Consequently, the plan to present this matter to the Cabinet has been put on hold, and feedback from the public is being welcomed for further consideration.
Ms. Supajee initially envisioned the project as a pilot program involving 100,000 restaurants, aimed at providing affordable meals to help salaried workers and low-income earners manage living costs. While restaurant participation would be voluntary, the project faced criticism for potentially being more of a public relations effort than a viable economic solution. Despite the setback, the Ministry emphasizes the need for cooperation from all parties to navigate the complex economic challenges the nation faces.