Thai Government Approves Measure To Help Low Income Earners

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha has announced an allocation of 12.75 billion Baht (US$1=35Baht) to assist low income earner nationwide. About 5.4 million low income earners in Thailand, according to him, will each receive between 1,500 Baht to 3,000 Baht, which will be disbursed through their bank account between Dec 1 and 30. "The measure will stimulate the economy as the government has also launched similar measures to help the farmers," he told reporters after chairing a Cabinet meeting here Tuesday. Under the measure, people with annual income of up to 30,000 Baht will receive 3,000 Baht, while those with annual income between 30,000 Baht to 100,000 Baht will receive 1,500 Baht. The disbursement of funds to the low income earner will be facilitated by government-run banks, according to government deputy spokesman, Col Takdada Sangkachan. Meanwhile, the government also approved temporary visa exemption and visa fee reduction for travellers from 19 countries, beginning Dec 1 until Feb 28 next year. The decisions, said government spokesman Athisit Chainuwat was to boost the tourism industry. The government, he added, had also agreed in principle to extend the long stay visa programme to promote Thailand as the destination for medical and wellness tourism among foreign tourists. Authorities expect tourist arrivals into the country to reach 33 million this year, while 36 million tourists are forecasted to visit the South East Asian country next year. -- BERNAMA