Thailand announces 7.5 billion baht COVID-19 relief package

Thailand has announced a 7.5 billion baht (US$0.23 billion) relief package, which it says will be expedited to help businesses survive the extended pandemic-led restrictions. 

The government estimates that the handouts will cover over 690,000 employees across six high-risk provinces, who are registered on the national security system. Non-citizens will be paid half of their monthly salary, with a cap of 7,500 baht (US$234). 

Thai nationals impacted by the one-month restrictions at restaurants and construction sites will receive a 2,000 baht (US$62) payout, on top of compensations at half their wages, according to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri.

The subsidies will cover the month of July, and businesses and employees who are not listed on the social security system will have one month to complete their registration. 

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Dining in at restaurants and gatherings of over 20 people in Bangkok and nine other provinces are banned for a month, in addition to the closure of construction sites. 

On Monday, the country reported over 5,400 new COVID-19 cases, the third highest daily tally since the pandemic began. This raises Thailand’s total case count to almost 250,000.