Bangkok: The Prime Minister is pleased with the “Half-Half Plus” scheme, which has brought happiness to the people and distributed funds across the country. He emphasized that Phase 2 must be comprehensive, including those who have been left out. He has ordered the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Interior to bring vulnerable groups into the system and to urgently address the issue of falling cassava prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, chairing the third Economic Policy Committee meeting, stated during the first session that the government continues to pursue economic policies to positively impact the overall economy. He emphasized the success of the “Half-Half Plus” scheme and assigned a working group to urgently address the inadequate access to benefits, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable groups. He also urged all relevant agencies to urgently address the issue of low agricultural prices, particularly cassava, a key economic crop that has been severely impacted.
Mr. Anutin expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas for his initiative to implement the “Half-Half Plus” policy last week, which has yielded clear positive results. He noted that people are happy and willing to participate in the program, which has helped stimulate the grassroots economy and significantly increased the amount of money circulating in the system.
The Prime Minister stated that while the program has received positive feedback, it still faces challenges due to its “first come, first serve” registration model, which prioritizes access for those with technology skills, while leaving many vulnerable and marginalized groups without access.
“I have emphasized the need to find solutions and reunite those who missed out on the first round in Phase 2 to ensure the most comprehensive government care,” said Mr. Anutin.
Mr. Anutin stated that, as Minister of the Interior, he has ordered provincial governors and district chiefs nationwide to cooperate in providing advice and assistance to underserved groups of people to ensure they can register and spend money on the project equally.
Regarding the agricultural sector, Mr. Anutin stated that he has held discussions with the Ministry of Commerce and relevant policy-level agencies to expand agricultural export markets, including expediting Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with several trading partners.
The Prime Minister stated that he is still receiving feedback from farmers regarding low crop prices, particularly cassava, which remains a major problem in many areas. He has therefore ordered all relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Commerce, to urgently collaborate to find measures to support and support farmers’ crop prices as quickly as possible.