About 14 million state welfare card holders will be given a 500 baht monthly allowance for three months, beginning in October, to buy food and other necessities at Thong Fah (Blue Flag) shops, said Mr. Lawan Saengsanit, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office, on Tuesday.

He said that this welfare scheme will cost the taxpayer about 21 billion baht.

He also said that the Cabinet has approved a 30 billion baht stimulus package, under which about 10 million Thai nationals, who are at least 18 years old, will each receive 3,000 baht for three months, beginning in October, so they can spend 150 baht per day on food, drinks or other products at half of the price, with the other half being born by the tax payer.

This stimulus is intended to help small retailers, like hawkers, who must register to participate. Mr. Lawan, adding that it will also increase purchasing power and generate cash flow estimated at 60 billion baht over the three-months.

Thai nationals, who are at least 18 years old and have an ID card, can register to join the scheme to become eligible for the 3,000 baht handouts, which will be wired into their bank accounts via the g-Wallet application.

Applicants will be notified via text message, confirming their eligibility. They must start spending within 14 days from the date of the notification, otherwise their registration will be cancelled.

For consumers, registration starts on October 16th, from 6am to 11pm, via the www.คนละครี่ง.com website. For small retailers or small retail outlets, registration starts on October 1st, via the same website or through state-owned Krung Thai Bank.