Thai government extends free water and electricity services for another year

PHOTO: www.unsplash.com

Thailand’s Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana says low-income households will continue to get free electricity and water for another year. The scheme, which assists poorer families, was due to expire at the end of this month.

Under the plan, low-income households get up to 230 baht worth of electricity for free each month, along with 100 baht worth of tap water.

Mr. Uttama also adds that holders of Pracharat welfare cards are entitled to a 7% VAT rebate for one more year. 5% of the rebate is transferred to the beneficiary’s e-wallet account on the 15th of every month, while 1% is kept in the National Savings Fund and a further 1% is charged as tax when the card holders spend.

Related news

The Finance Minister says the electricity and water scheme, along with the VAT rebate, costs the government approximately 1.87 billion baht a year.

The scheme is administered by The Pracharat Fund Committee for the Grassroot Economy and Society.

It’s understood the fund now holds 12 billion baht, but will receive another 40 billion, as pledged in the 2020 budget, ensuring it can continue providing assistance to lower income households.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World

Thailand News

Thaiger Talk

Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.

Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.

Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply