People living below the poverty line can expect subsidies that can help alleviate their cost of living and enhance education opportunities, improving their quality of life in the long run, says a source at the Finance Ministry.
For example, the government might subsidise costs related to education for the children of the poor, including providing school uniforms and shoes. Such efforts would help children finish their compulsory education, the source said.
At present, the government offers 12 years of free education, up to grade nine.
The source said children from poor families seeking to enrol in vocational school or university should be given priority in receiving student loans. The Student Loan Fund (SLF) may even provide qualifying students with lower-interest or interest-free loans.
The SLF now charges borrowers 1% per annum with a repayment period of up to 15 years. The fund requires borrowers to start paying back two years after they graduate.
According to National Statistical Office data, there are around 4 million people living under the poverty line with annual income of up to 30,000 baht.
The Finance Ministry is seeking to offer aid to those who have signed up for the government's welfare scheme, particularly individuals living below the poverty line.
The number of registrants for the government's welfare and subsidy scheme for the impoverished through the national e-payment system in this year's round, which was closed on May 15, reached 14.1 million, up from 8.27 million last year.
The ministry's criteria for this year requires applicants to be unemployed or to have had an annual income of 100,000 baht or less last year to receive aid under the programme. They must also have combined savings, bonds and savings certificates worth no more than 100,000 baht.
If applicants own property, it must not exceed 35 square metres for a condo unit, 25 square wah for a townhouse or 10 rai of land for agricultural purposes. Applicants must be Thai nationals aged 18 and above.
The government further plans to offer free rides on public transport and partially subsidised utility bills.
Krisada Chinavicharana, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, said the FPO was tasked by the Finance Ministry with studying ways to sustainably boost farmers' income.