More welfare benefits on the way, says Uttama
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana has announced that holders of state welfare cards can expect more benefits soon.
Speaking at an economic seminar in Chiang Mai on Wednesday (October 30), he said the government planned to add accident insurance for the 14.6 million people recipients, as well as opportunities for “career performance development to increase their expertise”.
And the Government Savings Bank and Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives were prepared to give them loans of up to Bt50,000 to deal with “informal debt”.
The ministry also wants the two banks to support savings groups as community financial institutions, ensuring that everyone has access to the loans.
“We have granted loans totalling Bt27 billion thus far and we are encouraging private entrepreneurs to join in the retail loan business,” Uttama said.
The state welfare card is part of a stimulus measure launched in mid-2016 to help people who earn no more than Bt3,000 per month. Holders of this card can use public transportation services for free and can purchase basic food items at Thong Fah or Blue Flag Pracharat stores.
