The government is expected to roll out a co-payment scheme as early as next month to boost Thais’ purchasing power and stimulate the sluggish economy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said during inspection trips to Ang Thong and Si Sa Ket provinces over the weekend.
An informed source in the Bhumjaithai party, the core party in the governing coalition, said that it is expected to be implemented as early as mid-October to late October, which will help stimulate multiple cycles of economic activity.
The source said the co-payment scheme will be slightly extended for Thais who are in the tax system.
For people who are not in the tax system, the Finance Ministry will cover half of the amount of the spending under the co-payment scheme whereas, in the case of those in the tax system, the ministry will cover 60% of the amount spent, said the source.
Holders of state welfare cards will not be eligible to apply for the co-payment scheme, because they already receive financial support from the state. Their subsidies may, however, be increased with the launch of the co-payment scheme.
Funding required for the co-payment scheme is estimated at over 25 billion baht for about 25 million people. The amount to be allocated for each person may also be less than the 3,000 baht offered by the original scheme, operated during Prayut Chan-o-cha administration.
