Thailand launches national economic recovery project

The Thai Commerce Ministry has teamed up with government agencies to launch a three-month nationwide economic recovery project that is expected to reduce living costs by up to 7 billion baht (over 198.2 million USD).

People shop at a supermarket in Bangkok, Thailand. (Source: AFP)

After discussions with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and relevant ministries, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the Ministry of Commerce has been tasked by the Prime Minister to come up with a three-month economic recovery plan (from August 20 to November 20) to stimulate the grassroots economy. The Thai government is committed to promoting this project in the next three months to promote job creation and income for local communities, before launching the digital wallet program in the fourth quarter of 2024, focusing on supporting small businesses.

According to Mr. Phumtham, during the three months of the project, Thai farmers can sell their agricultural products at designated sales points without any fees. Meanwhile, consumers can easily access these sales points to buy agricultural products and food at cheaper prices. Potential sales points that are easily accessible to the public include city hall, tourist attractions, Tong Chom market and Thong Fah (Blue Flag) mobile units.

The Thai Ministry of Public Health will dispatch volunteers to coordinate with residential areas in remote areas where there are no Blue Flag mobile units, promoting the sale of agricultural products as well as daily essential products through poom puang trucks - a mobile grocery service serving the community.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham affirmed that through cooperation with the public and private sectors, the Thai Government ensures that the project will not affect small shops, while agricultural products will not be underpriced.

In addition, the price reduction will also help reduce the cost of living by about 7 billion baht and stimulate spending, boosting the economy in the crucial period at the end of the year. The project is expected to benefit all sectors, including consumers, farmers and businesses, large and small.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thai-lan-trien-khai-du-an-phuc-hoi-kinh-te-toan-quoc-281264.html