Monthly cash grants to help poor survive coming year

Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee yesterday said the move was under consideration. "It may be a top-up card that holders will be allowed to refill with cash each month," he said.

Surapong mentioned the possibility of taking advantage of smart ID cards already held by many for use in "topping up", allowing people to collect a monthly government grant.

The Fiscal Policy Office, the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Board are currently working out the number of eligible recipients of the cash grants and how much it will cost the government.

The scheme will take into account the different needs of the poor in urban and rural areas, providing them with different rates of support, Surapong said. The support will only last for six to 12 months, a "transition period" during which they can look for more income.

Community leaders will be asked to register the names of eligible recipients, and the government will make random checks each month to prevent the grants from "leaking to higher-income groups".

A senior Budget Bureau official who asked not to be named said the coupons would not be transferable. It will take about two days for a final proposal to be drafted.

Meanwhile, Surapong said the government would spend Bt30 million to hold a "mega-trade fair" of cheap and energy-saving goods at the Impact Muang Thong Thani Convention Centre from July 17-20.

Goods will include food, medicines and basic necessities, as well as energy-saving cars, natural-gas-for-vehicle tanks and retrofits. Special mortgage rates and personal loans will be offered by state-owned banks at very low interest.

Surapong said he expected a cash flow of at least Bt3 billion at the mega-trade fair, generated by about 1 million visitors.

The government will subsidise booth costs for all four-star and higher One Tambon One Product operators if they are unable to afford to participate. About 1,000 booths will be set up at the fair, and the Energy Ministry will give away 50,000 energy-saving light bulbs to visitors.