Thailand approves 42 billion baht COVID-19 stimulus package
Thailand’s government has approved a stimulus package valued at 42 billion baht (US$1.29 billion) to provide financial assistance to its citizens and businesses impacted by the country’s partial lockdown, currently implemented in 10 provinces.
The relief measures target both business operators and workers in the affected provinces — Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla — according to Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Workers registered under Section 33 of the Social Security Act will receive at most 10,000 baht (US$306) per person for one month, while their employers will receive at most 3,000 baht (US$92) each under a compensation rate of 200 baht (US$6) per employee, he said, according to Bangkok Post.
Other workers registered under Sections 39 and 40 of the act will receive a cash handout of 5,000 baht (US$153) for one month, Pichayanan added.
READ: Thailand announces 7.5 billion baht COVID-19 relief package
The financial aid will apply to companies in the sectors of construction, hotels, food services, art, entertainment and recreation. Businesses and employees will have to first register under Thailand’s social security system to be eligible for the benefits, he said.
