Chiang Mai: Elderly people in many areas are looking forward to the second round of ten thousand baht. After the government gave the green light to announce the distribution of 10,000 baht in Phase 2, senior citizens who meet the criteria to receive the money are smiling and waiting for the 10,000 baht to be distributed to everyone.
According to Thai News Agency, the Economic Stimulus Board approved the distribution of 10,000 baht in Phase 2 to approximately 4 million people aged 60 and over. These individuals have registered via the government app and have already passed the qualification screening and identity verification. The program is similar to the first phase and involves a cash handout, with an estimated budget of around 40 billion baht. Beneficiaries are expected to receive the money by the Chinese New Year next year, which falls on January 29.
In Chiang Mai, senior citizens who qualify for the second phase of the 10,000 baht handout are expressing happiness. ‘Mae Uai,’ a 73-year-old Khao Tom Mat
vendor in San Sai District, shared her excitement, saying that she had been eagerly anticipating the handout since the first round, although she did not meet the criteria back then. She has now successfully registered through the government app. Mae Uai mentioned that the 10,000 baht would be invaluable in purchasing household items, allowing her to save her personal funds. Similarly, ‘Father Uai,’ a 66-year-old lottery vendor, expressed relief that the money would cover household expenses.
In Khon Kaen, eligible senior citizens are also pleased and hope that their fellow senior citizens who qualify will be able to receive the handout as well. There are concerns, however, that some elderly individuals living in remote areas may miss out due to a lack of access to smartphones or familiarity with technology, preventing them from receiving government announcements and instructions on how to claim their rights.
Meanwhile, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Mr. Kowit, a 70-year-old vendor selling Chinese pastries at Mae Kim
Heng Market, plans to utilize the funds to purchase ingredients for making pastries for the Chinese New Year festival. Mr. Kowit noted that the financial assistance would significantly help with the rising cost of ingredients.