The government implemented the welfare scheme last month, providing living subsidies to 11.67 million people who had pre-registered with the state as low-income earners or being unemployed. The installation of electronic data capture, or EDC, which can read the welfare cards at the majority of designated stores, has been delayed. With their own signature products and their own charm, they may be able to compete with convenience stores. The dire state mom-and-pop shops are in is partly caused by government policy. There have been no restrictions on the expansion of convenience stores, forcing local stores and even street vendors out of business.

Source: Bangkok Post November 01, 2017 19:18 UTC