Bangkok: The Cabinet is set to deliberate on the "Thai Help Thai Plus" project, utilizing a 400 billion baht loan to enhance purchasing power and stimulate the economy. A major press conference is scheduled for noon today. Meanwhile, Minister Supamas will present the results of discussions regarding the live broadcast of the World Cup to the Cabinet.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, plans to discuss the matter at the Cabinet meeting. Last week, she assigned the public relations group as the main force in negotiating with the public and private sectors regarding the purchase of broadcasting rights for the World Cup football matches next month. She noted that the situation had changed, including the broadcast schedule, and highlighted that the purchase price cannot be disclosed, suggesting it may not be appropriate given the current economic situation. She intends to present all information today to seek the Cabinet's opinion.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, will consider an economic stimulus project proposed by the Ministry of Finance: the "Thai Help Thai Plus" project. This initiative, under the 400 billion baht loan decree, is a modified version of the previous "Half-Price Co-Pay" scheme, offering a 60% government subsidy and a 40% public contribution. The goal is to distribute funds to small businesses and SMEs nationwide to boost purchasing power and address economic hardship, including support for holders of the state welfare card. The government aims to open registration on May 25, 2026, and allow participants to utilize the benefits starting June 1, 2026.
Following the Cabinet meeting, the government will hold an official press conference at the Santi Maitri Building at 12:00 PM to announce details of the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project. During today's meeting, the Prime Minister will also present the results of discussions and proposals from high-level business leaders from 10 industry groups to the Cabinet for their information and to explore policy directions.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will propose abolishing visas and revising the 60-day visa-free entry program for all 93 countries, starting in 2024. There is consensus among agencies that allowing foreigners to stay for excessively long periods does not truly meet the needs of tourism and also creates loopholes for ill-intentioned individuals to use Thailand as a base for committing crimes.
The Cabinet Secretariat has proposed a plan for clarification following the Constitutional Court's acceptance of the opposition's petition to rule on the Royal Decree authorizing the Ministry of Finance to borrow money, after the court gave the Cabinet seven days to provide an explanation.