Watch This! Cabinet Set to Approve 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' Program and Special Holiday During IMF-World Bank Hosting

In a Cabinet meeting on May 19, 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul, the Finance Ministry presented the results of loan expenditure screening committee meetings, highlighting the 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' program. The initiative will provide cost-of-living assistance to approximately 30 million people in a 60-40 split, with the government paying 60 percent and citizens paying 40 percent, distributing 1,000 baht per month for two months under the 4-trillion-baht borrowing decree.

The Finance Ministry also proposed preparations for hosting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank's annual meetings from October 12-18, 2025, at the Sirikit National Convention Centre, including establishing a national steering committee and designating special holidays during the hosting period.

Additional agenda items included the Foreign Ministry's proposal for a Thailand-France partnership action plan (2028-2029), to be signed May 25 in Paris. The Defense Ministry proposed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore regarding joint military training (Cobra Gold), scheduled for signing between May 29-31 in Singapore.

The Budget Bureau submitted measures to aid government contractors affected by the Middle East conflict situation. The National Economic and Social Development Council presented progress on Thailand's application to join the OECD and mechanisms to advance membership.

Crucially, the Prime Minister's Office proposed guidelines for addressing the Constitutional Court's consideration of whether the 4-trillion-baht emergency decree complies with Article 172 of the Constitution. The Labor Ministry also proposed setting skill-based wage standards for four sectors.