Bangkok: The Ministry of Finance has confirmed the availability of more than 4 million benefits under the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" program, emphasizing the adequacy of entitlements for applicants.
According to Thai News Agency, Krung Thai Bank personnel are actively assisting with the identity verification process to ensure the prevention of fraud.
Mr. Vinit Visetsuwannapoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, outlined the progress of the Thai Help Thai registration program, reassuring the public about the 4 million remaining slots. He encouraged individuals not to worry about the program's capacity. He also addressed the identity verification process, explaining that applicants experiencing issues such as password loss or needing to download the "Paotang" application again due to phone changes are receiving full assistance from Krung Thai Bank staff, who are offering multiple verification channels. The registration deadline is set for May 29th. Importantly, holders of the State Welfare Card are not required to register for the Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 program because the system automatically verifies their identity using their 13-digit national identification number. As a result, these cardholders will have 700 baht added to their accounts, totaling 1,000 baht, which can be used without co-payment.
Mr. Lawaron Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, previously stated that there would be no extension of the registration period beyond May 29th at 10:00 PM, unless the quota of 30 million slots is reached earlier. He projected that the total number of registrants might not hit the 30 million mark, as the registration rate is currently stabilizing. Sticking to the original schedule is crucial to ensure the readiness of the "Paotang" app system, enabling citizens to start spending the first installment on June 1st.
The Thai Help Thai Plus (60:40) scheme operates as a co-payment system where the government covers 60% of the cost, equivalent to 1,000 baht per month, while the public pays 40%, or approximately 666.67 baht per month. The maximum monthly spending limit is 1,666.67 baht for four consecutive months, with the government contributing 4,000 baht and the public paying a total of 2,666.67 baht. The total value of goods received over the four months is 6,666.67 baht. Notably, the 1,000 baht received each month must be utilized within that month and cannot be carried over.
Krungthai Bank has bolstered its staff to assist with identity verification at its gray ATMs in various branches to minimize waiting times at bank counters. Identity verification for account opening or using the Krungthai NEXT and Paotang applications can be completed through three main channels: Krungthai Gray ATMs, Krungthai Bank branches nationwide, and the Krungthai NEXT or NDID application for facial scanning.
As of May 26th, the total number of registrations for the Thai Help Thai Plus program stood at 25,393,255, with 24,353,512 successfully passing the eligibility verification process and 447,796 not. As of 2:06 PM on May 27th, 4,801,167 slots remain available.