SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Thailand's economic revival policy committee agreed to provide cash handouts of 10,000 baht ($285) to about 4 million elderly citizens by Lunar New Year in early February, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichaya Chunhavan announced on Tuesday.
The 40-billion-baht ($1.14 billion) program targets citizens aged 60 and above with monthly incomes under 70,000 baht and bank savings below 500,000 baht. "We think this group needs help," Pichaya said, adding that "we will give to those who need help first."
The initiative follows September's first phase of handouts to 14.5 million vulnerable citizens, marking a shift from the ruling Pheu Thai party's original campaign promise to distribute digital currency to 45 million of Thailand's 70 million population.
The government also discussed debt relief measures, including three-year principal reduction and interest payment deferrals for certain borrowers, along with plans for low-income housing support.
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