Bangkok: The Ministry of Finance revealed that spending under the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project was brisk on its first day, with nearly 600 million baht circulating in the first half-day. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance emphasized the system's transparency, stating that budget spending will be open for scrutiny and that a proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet tomorrow to review the eligibility criteria for state welfare benefits in order to provide additional assistance to those without smartphones.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, along with Mr. Payong Srivanich, President and CEO of Krung Thai Bank, visited Thonburi Fresh Market to inspect the readiness for the first day of using the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" project. The atmosphere was lively, and they even tried scanning to purchase goods themselves, noting that the system was easy to use, convenient, and efficient.
The Ministry of Finance summarized spending figures as of 1:00 PM on June 1st, finding that nearly 2.9 million people had utilized their entitlements, with a cumulative spending total of 587 million baht. This is divided into a 60% government co-payment of 343 million baht and a 40% public co-payment of 244 million baht. The government emphasized that the primary goal of this project is to alleviate the burden of living costs for citizens resulting from the impact of energy prices and global uncertainties, and is not aimed at directly stimulating the economy. Therefore, the spending limit is set at a maximum of 1,000 baht per person per month.
Regarding the opposition's plan to establish a special committee to scrutinize the use of funds from the 400 billion baht loan decree, Mr. Ekniti affirmed that the government has no objection and is ready for scrutiny at every step. He emphasized that the projects have been implemented transparently, with funds reaching the public and small businesses directly through the digital systems of the Paotang and Thung Ngern applications.
For citizens without smartphones, the Minister of Finance revealed that he will propose to the Cabinet meeting tomorrow a new process for verifying eligibility for state welfare benefits, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. Registration will be open for two months, starting July 1st, to ensure that low-income individuals and those without digital access receive comprehensive government assistance. Meanwhile, citizens and small businesses can continue to register for the 'Thai Helps Thai Plus' project until July 31st.