Bangkok: Ekaniti is pleased that the "Half-Price Plus" scheme is helping to reduce expenses.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, a campaign assistant for the Bhumjaithai Party and a candidate for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, expressed his satisfaction with the "Half-Price Plus" project. He highlighted that the initiative not only reduces expenses but also improves income-generating skills and encourages people to enter the tax system.
Mr. Ekniti emphasized that the "Half-Price Plus" project is an example of creative freedom provided by the Prime Minister. He explained that while the "Half-Price" project is often viewed as a handout, its primary goal is to reduce expenses. The "Plus" aspect further enhances the project by equipping Thais and small businesses with online sales skills to increase their income. He quoted the Prime Minister's analogy of providing a fishing rod instead of just fish, underscoring the focus on skill development.
The project has been improved with an increased subsidy from 150 baht to 200 baht per day, and eligibility now starts at age 16, allowing children to open bank accounts. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on families and promote financial literacy. The initiative also encourages digital financial literacy among participants.
Many individuals have participated in the "Half-Price Plus" project, selling goods and enhancing their skills while studying. The project has notably contributed to reskilling, particularly in AI, improving both online sales and academic skills for young people. Mr. Ekniti pointed out that taxpayer money funds the project, and it incentivizes people to enter the tax system by offering more financial benefits to those within the system. He expressed a desire for future phases to provide even greater benefits to those in the tax system, contributing to national development and achieving fairness.