All banks expected to install EDC devices nationwide within Oct

BANGKOK, Oct 4 (TNA) -- The government hopes all banks will install electronic data capture (EDC) machines nationwide within October and village fund organizations will sell discounted products supplied by the government. Deputy Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said the official launch of the government’s electronic welfare cards for the poor was postponed to next month pending the installation of EDC machines at “Blue Flag” discount stores throughout the country to serve the welfare cards. To ensure the complete EDC installation nationwide, the government asked all financial institutions to install EDC machines at shops in their areas of jurisdiction to serve holders of the welfare cards and the installation was expected to finish within this month, he said. The deputy commerce minister also said that the government was encouraging village fund organizations to open “Blue Flag” discount stores to sell discounted products to holders of e-welfare cards. The stores would serve welfare card holders and promote community empowerment, he said. Mr Sontirat added that the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem Market beside Government House was presenting products from village and community fund organizations and Krungthai Bank installed a QR code payment system there. The local product fair was set between Oct 3 and 24. (TNA)