Bangkok: A proposal for the “Thai Helps Thai Plus” initiative, connecting participating shops in the co-payment scheme with welfare cards, is anticipated to commence this May. The Ministry of Finance has revised its plan to propose this initiative, aiming to launch within the specified timeframe.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, announced that during a senior meeting of the Ministry of Finance’s executives, measures were discussed to mitigate the public impact from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As a part of these measures, the Ministry is revamping the “Half-Price Plus” project and preparing to propose the “Thai Helps Thai Plus” project. This initiative aims to combine the Half-Price scheme with the State Welfare Card, enabling cardholders to utilize the Half-Price scheme at participating stores starting in May. In response to the energy crisis and fluctuating oil prices, the Ministry is transitioning from price-based subsidies to individual subsidies, particularly targeting vulnerable groups. The focus is on supporting the 13.4 million State Welfare Card holders, in collaboration with the Budget Bureau to prepare central government funds. The first proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet before the Songkran hol
iday, around April 7-9.
Mr. Laworn Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, noted that the measure to increase the welfare card allowance by 100 baht per person, as initially decided last Thursday, will be postponed. With the new government, the assistance fund will require review to potentially increase the amount. Currently, the Ministry is exploring alternative funding sources and prioritizing the “Thai Helps Thai Plus” project, previously known as “Half-Half Plus,” to provide assistance. Initially, all applicants will need to register anew, with registration anticipated by the end of April. Existing welfare cardholders will receive separate funding but will be able to use it at participating stores. For the new registration round, smartphones will be accepted instead of national identification cards for those who are prepared.