National —
On October 21st, 2024, Mrs. Thaniwan Kulmongkol, the president of the Thai Restaurant Association, stated that the first phase of the 10,000-baht handout for welfare cardholders and vulnerable groups has helped revive the dining atmosphere in some restaurants.
To maintain this momentum through the last quarter of the year, the association is urging the Thai government to allocate more mid-year budget funds to boost the economy, particularly focusing on domestic tourism after flood recovery and during the high season, remarked Thaniwan.
She emphasized the need for increased financial support in the “We Travel Together” program, where the government covers 50% of costs, encouraging more people to travel and spend.
Thaniwan also commented that while the Bank of Thailand’s recent 0.25% interest rate cut benefits larger restaurant businesses, small and medium-sized establishments, which mostly operate on cash, require more customers rather than lower interest rates.
She stressed that the government should introduce measures to stimulate the economy during the November-December high season, suggesting the continuation of “Half-Half” co-payment schemes.