Ministers explain aid and action resulting from COVID-19

Paphamon Arayasukawat

 

   

Asked about spending to aid different groups affected by the COVID-19 situation, the Minister of Energy has assured an initial loan, taken out by the administration, is sufficient and is being implemented carefully and the Minister of Labor explained use of the Social Security Fund to support workers.

 

Minister of Labor Suchat Chomklin responded to accusations, by the opposition in the no-confidence debate, that the government was pending payments to the Social Security Fund, saying the administration had paid over 40 billion baht into the fund and currently owes 6 billion baht.

 

He acknowledged that a portion of the fund had been used to help workers impacted by the COVID-19 situation, while awaiting a loan. On adjustment of unemployment aid, from 50 percent to 62 percent for up to 90 days, the minister explained that it is the government’s wish to help the large number of unemployed laborers.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Supattanapong Punmeechaow told Parliament that spending was being made particularly carefully at this time, to ensure aid can be provided to all citizens facing the current crisis. He indicated 25 billion baht remains from the loan taken by the state and has been earmarked for future public health system support.

 

Speaking about aid programs, such as Rao Chana, the co-pay scheme, and We Travel Together, the DPM explained they were designed to circulate cash throughout the economy and were centered around mobile applications to ensure wide distribution. He assured the programs are not benefitting any particular groups or individuals, as claimed by the opposition.

 

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2021-02-18

 

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