Thai government extends free water and electricity services for another year

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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.

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