Government spokesman touts government’s first 90-day performance
In the first 90 days in office, the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has introduced and implemented a series of policies aimed at reducing expenses while increasing the earnings of the Thai people and businesses, Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke told the media today.
He said that many of these policies are expected to bear fruit in the middle of next year.
The following policies are aimed at reducing expenditure:
• Electricity price cut to 3.99 baht per unit for three months until the end of December. Reduction in the diesel price of 2.50 baht per litre and one baht/litre excise tax cut for gasohol 91 and 95. The freezing of LPG cooking gasprices at 423 baht for a 15kg cylinder. Reduction of train fares on the Purple and Red lines to 20 baht per trip.
• 1,000 baht subsidy for 4.6 million rice farming households, to cover their harvesting costs, and 120 baht/tonne incentive for sugarcane farmers to cut unburntcane to ease the PM2.5 dust problem.
• Debt moratoria for farmers for debts not exceeding 300,000 baht.
• A program to tackle informal indebtedness by inviting debtors to apply for help.
• Universal health care scheme for all Thais, using just an ID card. The scheme has been launched in Phetchaburi, Roi-et, Phrae and Narathiwat as pilot project.
Income-boosting policies already introduced or implemented include:
• Visa exemption for tourists from China, Kazakhstan, India, Taiwan and Russia.
• Newly-recruited civil servant salary increased to 18,000 baht within two years and adjustment of salary bases for other officials, excluding C-9 level and up.
• 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme, which is expected to be implemented in the middle of next year.
• Promotion of OTOP products through online platforms.
• Extending operating hours of pubs in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Koh Samui in Surat Thani until 4am, to boost income and tourism.
• Tourism promotion for secondary cities and 24-hour opening of Chiang Mai airport from November 1st.
