Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has kicked off an economic recovery program, aimed at “reducing expenses, increasing income, and expanding opportunities” for entrepreneurs and the people.

The program was launched on 16 October 2024 at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House, where a press conference took place on the issue. It will last five months, from September 2024 to January 2025.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn said that the Government attached great importance to the economic stimulus policy. In September, it began the first phase of the economic recovery program, targeting welfare card holders and persons with disabilities.

She said that the first phase received a positive response from the target vulnerable groups. Each of the recipients of the first phase was given a handout of 10,000 baht, which has been spent to ease their economic hardships. The money has also provided many of them with opportunities to operate their businesses.

The Prime Minister said that the Government would continue the economic recovery program to stimulate the overall economy. In the new phase, emphasis would be placed on small entrepreneurs, which cover 95 percent of all entrepreneurs in the country. She pointed out that small entrepreneurs are an important foundation for the Thai economy.

Under this phase, shop and market stall rental fees will be reduced for small businesses in 12 markets in Bangkok. The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior will allow several areas under their supervision across the country to be used as markets. Commerce markets will also be arranged in many areas.

The Government will encourage large manufacturers and wholesalers to reduce prices of consumer goods. Discount events will be organized to offer lower prices for buyers through various promotional campaigns.

The Prime Minister expects that the program will stimulate the economy by 110 billion baht, saying that the Government also has both short- and long-term plans to carry out the economic stimulus policy in order to strengthen the Thai economy and build a better future for all Thais.