As many as 144,861 people have registered for social security benefits for unemployment in the month of March, marking a 41.89 per cent and 48.38 per cent increase compared to January and February respectively, Suchart Phonchaiwisetkun, director-general of the Department of Employment, revealed on Friday (April 3).

The Cabinet would expand the target group eligible for its cash-handout programme, a relief measure for those who have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, from 3 million to 9 million people, Prime Minister's Office spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Tuesday (March 31).