BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has announced that the government will allow people without smartphones to register for the 10,000-baht handout scheme at state banks starting in November. The first phase of the scheme has already provided cash assistance to 14.5 million vulnerable individuals, stimulating economic activity across the country.
According to Julapun, registration for those without smartphones will take place at state-owned banks, and the system will be ready to be implemented next month. A final decision on the scheme’s next steps will be made following a meeting of the Economic Stimulus Policy Committee later this month.
The second phase will maintain the 10,000-baht handout, though it is yet to be determined whether payments will be distributed in a lump sum or through installments. The government is also preparing to introduce a digital wallet system to facilitate future payments.
The Thai Retailers Association has proposed reviving the “Shop Dee Mee Kuen” program, which offers tax rebates to shoppers. The measure, if approved, could help boost year-end spending and generate over 100 billion baht in economic circulation. (NNT)
