The Social Security Office (SSO) says nightclub musicians and singers who have been affected by Covid-19 will soon be able to claim 5,000 baht as financial support as a remedial measure.
SSO secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth was speaking after a discussion with the Music Association of Thailand and the Professional Entertainment Network Confederation of Thailand.
Mr Boonsong said Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin is preparing to submit the proposal to the cabinet for approval on Tuesday.
Initially, there are about 120,000 people who meet the criteria. The money will be transferred via the PromptPay service tied to the applicant's bank account.
Association vice-president Suda Chuenban said the first phase will take place on Dec 29 as a New Year's gift while another phase will start before the end of March.
The measure will also cover traditional performers and nightclub comedians.
Those who failed to pay contributions under Section 40 of the Social Security Act can also submit a request. But people aged 65 and over are ineligible.
Allowances to labourers have also been increased. Mr Suchart said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Labour Ministry to provide financial aid to them.
Recently, the ministry's committee on labour welfare agreed to boost the allowance rate, as published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday.
The rate for those who worked for 120 days and were made redundant without compensation is boosted from 30 to 60 times the minimum wage, while those who worked for three years will be given 80 times and those who worked 10 years or over will receive 100 times the rate.
The allowance rate is also boosted from 60 to 100 times, Mr Suchart added.