Public Debt Management Office Set to Disburse First Batch of 175 Billion Baht Under 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' Program by June 1

The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) is preparing to announce a bidding process to financial institutions next week for the initial disbursement of 175 billion baht under the 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' program, with funds to be available by June 1, 2025, to help citizens cope with the crisis.

Director Jindarat Wiriyathaveekul of the PDMO revealed that the office is preparing to announce the bidding to financial institutions for lending to the government within the coming week, which is part of the government's borrowing authorization under the emergency decree for 400 billion baht. The initial phase will be used for the 'Thai Helping Thai Plus: Overcoming Crisis Together' project.

"Initially, we expect to disburse approximately 175 billion baht according to the program's budget, divided into promissory notes (PN) with 3-5 year maturities, at 35 billion baht per month for 4 months, totaling approximately 140 billion baht until the end of fiscal year 2025. We will also obtain long-term loans from financial institutions or term loans with 3-5 year maturities to support an additional 35 billion baht," the director stated, "to be drawn gradually according to actual funding needs."

Currently, the office is finalizing the bidding announcement with a target to disburse funds by June 1 this year through the end of fiscal year 2025 to assist citizens in dealing with the cost-of-living crisis.

When the new fiscal year begins, a new debt plan will be implemented. Loan disbursements are expected to begin by the end of this month since payment is due on June 1. If additional projects require support, additional promissory notes can be issued flexibly to assist the public.