PAWAT LAOPAISARNTAKSINThe Finance Ministry will seek cabinet approval in the next week or two for a 40-billion-baht budget to assist people who qualify for the government's welfare and subsidy scheme, says finance permanent secretary Somchai Sujjapongse. These benefits are expected to cost the government 22 billion baht a year, and the budget will reach 40 billion when credit for buying goods in Blue Flag shops is included, the source said. Regarding aid to those with earnings below the poverty line, Mr Somchai said the Finance Ministry is still considering the appropriate model. The Finance Ministry is mulling whether to allow the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives and communities to verify the income of those living below the poverty line. The Finance Ministry has estimated that about 4 million people have an annual income below the poverty line.

Source: Bangkok Post July 24, 2017 22:41 UTC