Bangkok: The Prime Minister has unveiled plans for the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" initiative, with preparations underway to present the project to the Cabinet next month and commence implementation in June.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul provided details on the progress of the "Half-Half Plus" co-payment project. The timeline is set for its launch in June, with the project slated for submission to the Cabinet meeting in May. This initiative, originally a policy of the Bhumjaithai Party during the election campaign, was designed as a short-term economic stimulus due to its limited four-month timeframe. Its success among the public, coupled with the dissolution of parliament, halted the initiation of Phase 2. The evolving situation in the Middle East, which may impact the public, prompted the development of the "Plus" version, shifting from "Half-Half" to "Thai Helping Thai Plus."
The government is focusing on reallocating funds to aid the public, with a change in strategy from a 50:50 economic stimulus to providing direct assistance to infuse money into the economy. The project's duration has been extended from two months to four months. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, announced that the payment would be 1,000 baht per month, culminating in a total of 4,000 baht, an increase from previous amounts.
Questions regarding registration and further specifics should be directed to Mr. Ekniti, who oversees the project's implementation. The Prime Minister expressed readiness to support initiatives from all ministers and parties within the coalition government.