Finance Ministry Has Time to Decide on Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 Extension
The Finance Ministry is reviewing whether to extend the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 programme, with the decision depending on current economic conditions and remaining budget allocation, according to a government official at Government Hous
At Government House on September 15, Parardorn Parisnanantkul, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, discussed the Finance Ministry's preparation to consider details of extending the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 programme. He said the Finance Ministry still has time to decide whether current conditions warrant the extension. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayuth, along with the economic team, will assess the appropriateness of the timing. If deemed suitable, the Finance Ministry will refer the matter to the Spending Control Committee for the loan decree, which authorizes the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address impacts from the energy crisis and facilitate the country's energy transition. Once the committee approves, the proposal will proceed to the Cabinet meeting. When asked whether the remaining 40-50 billion baht would be sufficient or if funds from other sources could be reallocated, Parardorn said the decision depends on the Finance Ministry's model and assessment of how much the programme should be extended, based on the number of beneficiaries, budget amount, and duration. Asked whether the second 200 billion baht tranche could be used for this programme, Parardorn replied that the first 200 billion baht has not been fully spent. When pressed on whether the second tranche could be accessed if needed, he said the emergency decree does not prohibit it.
