PM satisfied with “Half-Price” co-pay campaign’s success

[webfact]

PM satisfied with “Half-Price” co-pay campaign’s success

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister has voiced his satisfaction with the success of the government’s “Half-Price” co-pay campaign that has helped the general public cut down on living expenses while stimulating local economies. The government is aiming to have more than 1 million shops involved, while urging participating shops and members of the public to adhere to the campaign’s terms and conditions.

 

In the campaign, the public can registered for a 150 baht per day, 3,000 baht throughout the campaign period credit, that can be used to subsidize up to half the price of their purchases at participating stores via the government’s wallet app.

 

Right now there are some 7.1 million persons registered in this campaign, and 523,000 participating shops across the country. A total of 7.63 billion baht’s worth of transactions have so far been made, with the government paying 3.74 billion baht in addition to the amount paid by the public at 3.89 billion baht.

 

The average amount of value per transaction in this campaign is 216 baht, with Bangkok being the province with the highest level of campaign spending, followed by Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, and Chiang Mai.

 

The Ministry of Finance will be opening the second round of applications for members of the public to participate in this campaign on Wednesday 11th November, from 6 am to 11 pm on the campaign’s website. This second registration opening is also intended for persons whose initial application was rejected, and successful applicants who failed to make transactions within 14 days after receiving their confirmation SMS. Shops and vendors can register to participate at any time.

 

On concerns regarding mobile transactions and registrations, the Minister of the Interior Gen Anupong Paochinda has directed provincial governors and district chiefs to promote the campaign as well as participating shops and vendors in their areas, with the goal of having more than 1 million participating stores to better increase cash flow.

 

The Prime Minister has however voiced his concerns on potential fraudulent activities, such as shops charging customers a higher price to receive an increased subsidy, or making a fake transaction.

 

He has asked for the cooperation of the general public and participating shops to adhere to the campaign’s terms and conditions, warning that any report of suspicious transactions can lead to a ban on both the vendor’s and the customer’s account in the campaign, with possible legal action to follow.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2020-11-09

 

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[Dagfinnur Traustason]

That picture reminds me of a guy they used to call Mr. Smug.

[Artisi]

Wifey tells me the small corner shops where she shops are very happy, their sales have increased as was the plan. A win win for everyone. 

[edwinchester]

It's a bad joke as far as I can see.

People unable to register or having to queue for 4 hours at the local Krung Thai branch to sort things out.

Local shops have bumped up prices for 50-50 customers or are charging 10bht for the 'privilege'.

[Natai Beach]

Probably the smartest stimulus program on the planet. Hotel down the road from me booked out last weekend. Keeps people employed and businesses open. Probably not much profit for the owners but it keeps things ticking over.

Sharing the load, consumer pays a bit and the government pays a bit therefore people have jobs and have money to pay rent and help other businesses. Very clever plan.
 

I compare it to the Australia stimulus which just hands out (taxpayers) cash. They have even doubled welfare payments for people who don’t need it. My parents, who don’t need it, got a hand out and just banked it. Didn’t spend an extra cent in the economy as many others will do. A mates daughter worked in a cafe, the government gives her MORE than she was getting as a salary. ($750 per week) 

Now the government is heading towards a trillion dollar debt that will take (taxpayers) decades to pay back. Madness. 

 

The Thai government plan really is clever and effective. 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

The Prime Minister has voiced his satisfaction with the success of the government’s “Half-Price” co-pay campaign that has helped the general public cut down on living expenses while stimulating local economies.

While thousands on the streets show their dis-satisfaction with his efforts.

[Artisi]

52 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

While thousands on the streets show their dis-satisfaction with his efforts.

But was 50/50 his idea or he just claims the fame? 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

But was 50/50 his idea or he just claims the fame? 

Claims the fame if it works, blames an advisor if it doesn't.

[Nakdontree]

6 hours ago, Natai Beach said:

I compare it to the Australia stimulus which just hands out (taxpayers) cash.

Seems you've fallen for the finance industry's rhethorical tricks.

 

Eventually it is not the taxpayer's cash, but money from the gigantic money printing campaign this year. Just have a look at the Australia money supply M3, see chart below.

 

That said, Thailand has followed the same money printing strategy this year. On a much smaller scale, though.

[worgeordie]

My wife and daughter are stocking up on goods we use everyday,

and that have a long shelf life, like soap,washing powder,face

creams,rice,etc , spend 300 THB each everyday you get discount

150 THB each, money in the bank earning nothing,actually losing

value as interest rates don't cover inflation.

regards worgeordie

[bloodyholly]

Lady next door is trying to enrol her restaurant business onto this scheme. She’s been to the bank three days running. She has ended up leaving  the queue each day as she has the business to run.

Its not easy for them