PM approves in principle extension of Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2, to go to cabinet next week
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Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he has approved in principle the extension of the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program, as reported by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. He asked that the details of the conditions and format of the program await clarification from Ekniti, which must cover both the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program and the state welfare card. He also confirmed that all the measures are not populist programs but a mechanism to inject money into the economy and reduce expenses in the current situation. Meanwhile, Ekkapop Pienpiset, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program is expected to grant 1,000 baht in benefits over two months under the same 60:40 criteria. The state welfare card will be topped up by 700 baht, combined with the usual 300 baht entitlement, to 1,000 baht as before, and he confirmed that no additional money needs to be drawn. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun, speaking about ways to handle rising oil prices, said the government places great importance on the issue. On Monday it met with Ekniti, Pakorn Nilprapunt, Ekanat Prompan and Varawut Silpa-archa, and it is expected that at next week's cabinet meeting clear measures will be proposed on energy prices, the cost of living and agricultural product prices, considering drawing budget from the central fund, loans or the fuel fund as appropriate.