Juti Backs 2-Month Extension for 'Thai Help Thai Plus' to Boost Consumption

Juti Krairik, a Member of Parliament for Phitsanulok Province and a key figure in the Bhumjaithai Party, has expressed support for a two-month extension of the "Thai Help Thai Plus" economic stimulus program. He stated that he has been tasked by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to develop strategies for tax system reform, reduce budget redundancy, and evaluate funds and public organizations that are not meeting public needs. The goal is to cut budgets and reduce the number of employees, focusing on work measured by actual quality and results rather than quantity. Mr. Juti highlighted several key missions directly benefiting the public: 1. The enactment of trade competition laws to prevent monopolies by both Thai and foreign operators, thereby increasing choices for the public, promoting competition, and helping to reduce living costs. 2. The crackdown on corruption and money laundering. Mr. Anutin has emphasized a full-scale effort to combat money laundering businesses, illegal operations, corruption in government budgets, and evasion of customs duties, excise taxes, and income taxes. These efforts are expected to increase state revenue and will align with the results of corruption investigations by the Ministry of Interior. Furthermore, Mr. Juti stated that to address redundancy issues in IT systems and public procurement, amendments to four laws are necessary: the Public Procurement and Government Supplies Act, the State Financial Discipline Act B.E. 2561 (2018), the Budgetary Procedures Act B.E. 2561 (2018), and the State Administration Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and its amendments. This is to ensure alignment with changing contexts. He also stressed the need to enhance tax collection from foreign businesses operating in Thailand and nominee businesses by strictly enforcing the 2002 Anti-Money Laundering Act and the 2002 Foreign Business Act. This will be done without causing panic that could affect investment, adhering to the principle of "protecting good people but not welcoming bad ones." Successful implementation is projected to save between 70,000 and 100,000 million baht annually in budgets and public taxes. A draft of a new Anti-Money Laundering Act is also anticipated. Information Source: INN News