The Cabinet is expected to deliberate over a 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree today, aimed at cushioning the Thai economy against the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The proposed borrowing will fund the ‘Thai Chuay Thai Plus’ (Thais Help Thais Plus) stimulus package, an initiative set to run from June to September this year.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as Interior Minister, emphasised that the funds would focus on lowering the cost of living and accelerating the country’s energy transition.
"I said it and I will do it," Anutin told reporters, reiterating his administration's commitment to swift economic intervention.
According to Government House sources, once the Cabinet grants its approval, the Ministry of Finance will meet with the Office of the Council of State to vet the draft decree. The document will then be submitted for Royal endorsement and published in the Royal Gazette, allowing the government to begin the process of securing the loans immediately.
The cornerstone of the stimulus package is the ‘Khon La Khrueng Plus’ (Half-and-Half Plus) co-payment scheme, which is expected to cover more than 20 million citizens.
Additionally, the plan includes a direct cash injection of 4,000 baht per person for approximately 13.4 million state welfare cardholders.
This benefit will be disbursed in monthly installments of 1,000 baht starting June 1. The Ministry of Finance estimates that these measures will require over 100 billion baht in funding.
Following today’s initial review, the specific details of the welfare card top-ups and the co-payment scheme are expected to be finalised for formal Cabinet endorsement next Tuesday.
If approved, registration for the schemes will open during the final two weeks of this month.
The government intends for the projects to commence officially on June 1, as part of its broader strategy to maintain domestic consumption amid global volatility.
