BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s economic stimulus committee has greenlit a 10,000 baht ($290) cash handout to approximately 4 million citizens aged 60 and above, the government announced on Tuesday (Nov 20).
The disbursement, part of the country’s efforts to bolster its economy, will be made before the upcoming Chinese New Year (Jan 29, 2025), according to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
“The 10,000 baht phase-2 project will be directly transferred to senior citizens who have already registered and verified their identities through the government’s mobile application,” Pichai said.
The cash handout is expected to cost the government around 40 billion baht and is aimed at providing relief to the elderly, a vulnerable population.
For those without smartphones, the government will soon open a registration process. As for general public who have already registered, the government is currently testing the digital money system to ensure its security and stability, with a projected launch early next year.
To qualify for the 10,000 baht cash handout, individuals must be aged 60 or older, have not received the benefit in the first phase, have registered for the digital money through the government app, have an annual income below 840,000 baht, have total savings under 500,000 baht, and not be disqualified or have violated terms of other government programs. -819 (TNA)
