To assist offset growing costs of living, the government has authorized an increase of 200 baht per person starting January 2023 for the 13 million people who have state welfare cards.
At Tuesday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, the extra one-time payment was agreed (Dec 27).
The stipend, according to Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat, would be paid for out of the government’s central budget, and may end up costing as much as 2.644 billion baht, with as many as 13.2 million cards benefiting.
The decision was made in an effort to lessen the impact of the inflation issue and rising energy costs on low-income families’ budgets.
Starting in January 2023, those who meet certain requirements set by the Ministry of Commerce will be allowed to use their supplementary allowance to buy groceries, school supplies, and agricultural products from participating retailers.
In January, cardholders who normally receive 200 baht will receive 400 baht, while those who normally earn 300 baht will receive 500 baht.
