Bangkok: "Pharadon" hints at favorable changes to the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" scheme, with the government set to contribute an additional 60:40, payable in installments. He confirmed that yesterday's budget meeting did not discuss loans and recommended directing inquiries to "Ekniti" (the government's deputy chief). He assured that the government is not bankrupt and has available funds from the central budget and the Budget Transfer Act.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, explained the details of the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project. He stated that the government will cover 60% of payments, while the public will handle 40%, resulting in a reduced monthly financial burden for participants. Government funds will be disbursed gradually, but the payment duration is still under consideration. Project eligibility remains consistent, requiring participants to be 18 years or older. The number of eligible recipients is being determined based on available funds, which can be sourced from both the central budget and the forthcoming Budget Transfer Act, anticipated to pass in June.

When questioned about the recent budget meeting and potential borrowing discussions, Mr. Paradorn clarified that borrowing was not a topic of conversation. Instead, the focus was on medium-term fiscal plans, with various agencies presenting an economic overview, including the 2027 budget plan. Discussions centered on whether the revenue and expenditure framework would remain unchanged and how funds would be allocated to agencies according to the 2027 Budget Act. Borrowing was not mentioned.

Inquiries about borrowing should be directed to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Mr. Paradorn confirmed that the government is not bankrupt, noting that 20 billion baht remains in the central budget and a bill to transfer additional funds is being prepared.