Thailand approves US$518 million of COVID-19 support

The funds will financially support companies and employees affected by the latest measures to contain the latest spike in COVID-19 cases.
By: | September 10, 2021
Topics: Compensation and Benefits | Health and Wellness | News | Thailand

The measures were tightened from July to August as the country saw its biggest outbreak to date then, affecting Bangkok and 13 provinces. Restrictions were subsequently eased from this month to allow for inter-province flights. 

Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said about 16.1 billion baht (US$491 million) will be provided in a second month of support for employers and employees in the 13 provinces, while 862 million baht (US$26.3 million) will be for those who missed earlier assistance. 

He added that, so far, the government has approved 34 billion baht (US$1.0 billion) of financial assistance to support those affected by the restrictions. 

In addition, for lower income earners, the Thai cabinet has also approved 20 billion baht (US$610 million) of housing loans provided by the Government Housing Bank, said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek. 

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She said the loans have an interest rate of 1.99% for the first four years for borrowers with a monthly income of up to 25,000 baht (US$762) and for a home worth up to 1.2 million baht (US$36,585), according to Reuters.