Thai Government Considers Extending 'Thai Choo Thai Plus' Phase 2

Mr. Tanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a party-list MP for the Bhumjaithai Party and former Minister of Industry, stated that relevant agencies are currently considering the feasibility of the government extending the 'Thai Choo Thai Plus' program, Phase 2. This consideration takes into account economic conditions and the public's response to the program. He mentioned that the first phase of 'Thai Choo Thai Plus' was highly successful. Wherever he visited, residents expressed to Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, their wish for the project to be extended until global economic conditions stabilize. This would help alleviate the burden of rising living costs and allow citizens to recover financially. Furthermore, Mr. Tanakorn noted that the government's emergency loan decree of 200 billion baht still has remaining funds. Therefore, he believes the program could be extended for at least another one to two months. In addition to the popular 'Thai Choo Thai Plus' program, the government is also preparing to push forward with the 'Thai Tiew Thai Plus' initiative. This domestic tourism promotion campaign has been successful since the era of former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and aims to stimulate the economy towards the end of 2024. The 'Thai Tiew Thai Plus' program will primarily support domestic travel, ensuring that money circulates within Thailand. Under this scheme, one entitlement will receive support for accommodation costs up to a maximum of 2,000 baht per actual expense, with the remainder paid by the individual. If the accommodation cost is less than 2,000 baht, the actual cost will be reimbursed. This program is expected to commence around November 2024 and is anticipated to boost domestic economic circulation. "As the government is implementing measures to assist our citizens, I would like to request cooperation from the public, especially business operators, not to take advantage by raising accommodation prices. This would be exploiting fellow Thais at a time when the country needs unity and collective effort to overcome the economic crisis. "The Prime Minister will never let those who exploit fellow Thais go unpunished. They will be blacklisted, denied future project opportunities, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Mr. Tanakorn concluded.