The second phase of the co-payment scheme, where the government subsidises 50% of food and goods purchased at small shops, will cover as many people as possible, says a senior Finance Ministry official.
Details of the scheme will become clearer in mid-December. The quota of 10 million people was filled during registration for the first phase co-payment scheme on Oct 29, said Krisada Chinavicharana, the finance permanent secretary.
The main details to be deliberated are the quota for the second phase, the amount of cash subsidy given to each individual and the scheme's duration, which could be extended until the Chinese New Year in mid-February, said Mr Krisada.
If the second phase offers more benefits to registrants, those in the first phase will receive the same in the form of top-up benefits, he said.
The co-payment scheme allows registered individuals who make purchases at small shops to pay only half the price, with the government subsidising the other 50% of the receipt.
The government pays for 50% of food, drink and general goods purchases of up to 150 baht per person per day, capped at 3,000 baht per person for the duration of the scheme.
The scheme started on Oct 23 and will end on Dec 31.
The objective is to stimulate consumer spending in the final quarter after sentiment was gutted by the pandemic during the first three quarters.
The second phase will use funds allocated from the 1-trillion-baht loan decree.
Of the 1 trillion baht, the scheme will use funds from the 400 billion baht designated for economic and social rehabilitation through projects aimed at creating jobs, strengthening communities and building infrastructures.
The first phase used 30 billion baht under a 400-billion-baht budget, said Mr Krisada.
Regarding how around 14 million state welfare cardholders are not eligible for the cash subsidy benefit under the first-phase co-payment scheme, but have received an additional 500 baht in their cards' credit line instead.
These welfare cardholders will also receive additional benefits for the second phase, he said.
The cabinet yesterday approved the second phase yesterday of the state's 400-billion-baht spending plan for social and economic rehabilitation.
Anucha Burapachasri, the government spokesman, said the second phase, worth 152 billion baht in spending, aims to help entrepreneurs maintain employment and create a combined 310,000 new jobs as well as upskilling and reskilling 160,000 workers, especially in tourism and service sectors.
A huge project under the Labour Ministry is expected to employ new graduates with spending worth 19.5 billion baht.
Other key projects are to assist farmers and community businesses to upgrade their businesses and reduce the financial burden of 10 million people and 100,000 shops through the second phase of the co-payment scheme.