Thailand Cabinet Extends Consumer Subsidy Scheme With 43 Billion Baht

Thailand's cabinet has approved spending of 43 billion baht, equivalent to about $1.29 billion, to extend a consumer subsidy programme by a further two months, the country's finance minister said on Tuesday.

Under the extension, registered individuals will receive 1,000 baht, or roughly $30, to spend until the end of November, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas told a briefing.

The minister said the measure is intended to help households manage living costs amid high oil prices linked to the crisis in the Middle East, while also providing support to the wider economy.

Ekniti said he remains confident that the economy will expand by 2.5% this year, unchanged from the forecast the ministry issued in July.

The extension will be funded from money still available under relief measures tied to a broader 400 billion baht borrowing plan drawn up to counter the effects of elevated oil prices.

The scheme's first phase ran from June and is due to end this month. Officials have said it reached about 40 million people, each receiving 1,000 baht per month.

During that phase, the government covered 60% of eligible purchases, subject to a cap of 200 baht per person per day.