Finance Ministry eyes extending Thai Chai Thai Plus Phase 2 after September 30 expiry
MacroCommodity
The Ministry of Finance is preparing to propose to the Cabinet an extension of the Thai Chai Thai Plus Phase 2 project to ensure continued assistance to the public after the original scheme ends on September 30. Lavaron Sangsnit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and chairman of the screening committee for the use of funds under the 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree, said the external energy price situation remains prolonged, especially oil prices, which have risen above 100 again, making it necessary for the government to step in. On budget constraints, of the first 200-billion-baht relief loan tranche, only about 40 billion baht remains. If assistance continues at the same rate, roughly 40 billion baht a month would be needed, which would cover payments for only one month. However, under legal provisions, funds can be shifted from the second 200-billion-baht tranche to replenish the first, which would extend the project by more than one month, or possibly through the end of the year. The screening committee is scheduled to meet this week before expediting the matter to the Cabinet for approval and implementation.
