Large crowds flocked to Krung Thai Bank branches across the country this morning after being unable, or not knowing how, to register for the 4,000-baht benefit under the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” scheme.
Registration for the scheme began today and will run until May 29. Registration is open daily from 6am to 1pm.
About 30 million Thai citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to receive the financial support, which will be paid at 1,000 baht per month for four months starting on June 1. Spending under the scheme is capped at 200 baht per day.
While registration generally proceeded smoothly without any system collapse, there were complaints about slow performance. Many people were unable to complete the registration process by themselves and chose to visit their nearest Krung Thai Bank branch for assistance, fearing they might lose their entitlement to the financial support.
At the bank branch in a shopping mall in Muang district of Trang province, crowds waiting for assistance spilled out of the bank, forming a long queue.
One person waiting in line reportedly said he had just bought a new mobile phone and did not know how to register.
Under the co-payment scheme, the government will subsidise 60% of the amount spent by each recipient on goods or services purchased from participating outlets.
After registration, applicants will receive an SMS notification through the “Thung Ngern” application and can begin spending from June 1.
