Financial experts advocate an increase in VAT in Thailand
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) believes the government should raise VAT to generate revenue that can be used to support the minimum income.
Thai minimums get free Simcard with internet
The Ministry of Finance has announced that owners of the welfare card will also receive a Simcard so that they can surf the internet for free. Finance Minister Apisak says that this will give the minima better access to information and news that are important to them.
Government helps minimum income in Thailand with 63 billion baht
The cabinet decided on Tuesday to release 63 billion baht for minimum wage earners who have a welfare card. The money is also intended for seniors and civil servants. Critics say Prayut is throwing money because elections are coming up and call it a populist measure.
Prayut wants minimums to sign up for courses
Prime Minister Prayut encourages the minima with a 'welfare card' to sign up for the life quality development project. This government project aims to combat poverty with courses to ensure that the unemployed can find a job again.
Welfare card also for discount on medicines
The Ministry of Commerce has asked drugstores in Thailand to also join the government's welfare program. The Welfare card is a form of assistance for low-income Thais.
Rush to Thong Fah shops for minimums
It was very busy yesterday in the so-called Blue Flag (ThongFah) stores for minima. It was the first day that the 'welfare card' could be used for benefit recipients. The shops are there for the minimum who can buy a limited range of daily necessities, such as rice and cooking oil, at subsidized prices.
Welfare card issuance for minimum wages started
Officially, October 1 would be the date of issue of the Welfare Card for the minimum income in Thailand, however, in a number of provinces, the distribution has already started. Seven provinces will have their turn later due to technical problems.
Production problems delay distribution of Welfare card
More than 11,6 million minimum wage earners in Thailand receive assistance in the form of a Welfare card. The card comes with a monthly credit of 1.500 for bus, train and minibus. Distribution of the cards in Bangkok and six provinces has been delayed to October 17 due to technical limitations in production.
Free train ride for minimum wages expires on 30 September due to the introduction of an e-card
After almost 20 years, the free train rides for poor Thais who could use the third class on a number of interprovincial routes are coming to an end. The scheme is no longer necessary due to the introduction of the special e-card for minimum wage earners that is part of the assistance programme.
Poor Thais can apply for extra social assistance benefits until tomorrow at the latest. Those who do not do so are too late and do not receive benefits.
Appeal to Dutch minima in Pattaya
Thailandblog wants to pay attention to this group of Dutch people by interviewing some of them and publishing their story. Basically, their story is posted without the name of the interviewee.
As a New Year's gift, the Thai government will compensate the minima for water and electricity this year.