40-Baht Meal Plan Shelved Amid Public Backlash

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has halted plans for a 40-baht rice-and-curry project, pending review, following mixed public reaction to the proposed scheme. Ms Suphajee, also a deputy prime minister, stated on Tuesday that the Commerce Ministry had been asked to help reduce the cost of living, particularly the daily expense of ready-to-eat meals, as energy prices began to ease. She had outlined the 40-baht meal scheme for cabinet consideration. The minister explained that the price of a typical Thai curry-and-rice take-away depends on various factors beyond energy costs, including ingredients, cooking gas, wages, and rent, all of which are being addressed by different government agencies. Regarding food ingredients, the ministry has been actively working to reduce costs through its "Thais Help Thais: Lowering the Cost of Living" program, operational since April 1. The ministry will continue to monitor and control prices of key ingredients and promote lower-cost food supplies. Furthermore, the Department of Internal Trade has been instructed to strengthen links between farmers and restaurants to enable direct supply, aiming to lower restaurant costs, ease food price pressures, and support farmers simultaneously. To further alleviate consumer burdens amid unsettled economic conditions, the ministry had considered an additional measure: offering financial support to registered restaurants in exchange for providing selected single-dish meals at affordable prices. However, the minister acknowledged that the 40-baht figure was merely an example during discussions, and the appropriate price had not yet been determined. Ms Suphajee recognized the mixed public reaction, stating the ministry was prepared to listen and reassess the scheme to avoid distorting market mechanisms. Many pointed out that affordable meals below 40 baht were already widely available, while others suggested the government focus on issues beyond the Commerce Ministry's purview. Consequently, the ministry has suspended the proposal's submission to the cabinet. The minister emphasized that the government remains open to public opinion and that the decision to delay reflects its willingness to listen to all sides. Overcoming the nation's economic challenges requires cooperation from all sectors, and progress on significant policy cannot be made with deeply divided public opinion. The program intended to recruit 100,000 vendors and restaurants, providing each with a subsidy of 3,000-10,000 baht, complementing the "Thais Help Thais Plus" co-payment program. Ms Suphajee had previously hoped for an August launch if cabinet approval was secured.