Thailand launches 2nd phase of job retention programme for SMEs

Prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o­cha has instructed relevant ministries to follow up on policies to assist SMEs still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and help strengthen their businesses in the long run, said Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.

One of these programmes is the “Job Retention & SME Boost Up” scheme under the Ministry of Labour.

The Department of Employment is currently accepting applications for the second phase of the programme, which aims to help businesses in retaining staff and lowering the unemployment rate.

From December this year to January 2022, the programme will provide a monthly wage subsidy of 3,000 baht (US$89.7) per employee – with the same conditions as the first phase of the programme.

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According to reports, 14,829 SMEs with a total of 118,087 Thai employees have applied for the subsidies under the second phase. Applications for the latest programme close on December 20, 2021, according to Phuket News.

Over 8,000 SMEs applied for the subsidies in the first phase of the programme which was launched in October.