People’s Party Criticizes Government Cost-Relief Schemes as Insufficient
Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of Thailand’s People’s Party, has strongly criticized the government’s proposed Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme, arguing it is ill-suited to current economic conditions. She contends that recent relief measures are too limited to address the severe cost-of-living pressures exacerbated by the Middle East war, rising energy prices, and inflation. Specifically, she questioned the modest increase in welfare card support from 300 to 400 baht, stating it fails to match sharp fuel cost hikes. While acknowledging targeted transport subsidies as a positive step, Sirikanya highlighted that only 3 billion baht of a 7.7 billion baht budget allocation is dedicated to immediate relief, with the rest serving internal government needs. She emphasized that direct cash assistance is more appropriate than co-payment schemes during periods of acute household financial hardship, as many citizens lack the funds to contribute. The party urges the government to prioritize comprehensive coverage for overlooked groups, such as parents and small-scale fishers, before implementing broader stimulus policies.
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People’s Party Criticizes Government Cost-Relief Schemes as Insufficient
Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of Thailand’s People’s Party, has strongly criticized the government’s proposed Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme, arguing it is ill-suited to current economic conditions. She contends that recent relief measures are too limited to address the severe cost-of-living pressures exacerbated by the Middle East war, rising energy prices, and inflation. Specifically, she questioned the modest increase in welfare card support from 300 to 400 baht, stating it fails to match sharp fuel cost hikes. While acknowledging targeted transport subsidies as a positive step, Sirikanya highlighted that only 3 billion baht of a 7.7 billion baht budget allocation is dedicated to immediate relief, with the rest serving internal government needs. She emphasized that direct cash assistance is more appropriate than co-payment schemes during periods of acute household financial hardship, as many citizens lack the funds to contribute. The party urges the government to prioritize comprehensive coverage for overlooked groups, such as parents and small-scale fishers, before implementing broader stimulus policies.
bangkokpost