Job training for unskilled planned
The Finance Ministry wants to provide job training for 1 million unskilled workers to supply the industrial sector, which should boost the income of those at the bottom rung of the economic ladder.
Enhancing employment opportunities is a cornerstone of the second phase of the government’s welfare and subsidy scheme for the poor to help them cross the poverty line sustainably.
Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said he has discussed employment possibilities for unskilled workers with the Federation of Thai Industries, with the federation saying local industries are capable of hiring 1 million workers to replace the 3 million migrant workers in Thailand.
The second phase of the government’s welfare scheme is slated to go before the cabinet next month, said Mr Apisak, with implementation likely scheduled for January.
In late August the cabinet approved the first phase of the aid package worth 41.94 billion baht for low-income earners.
The package provides for 11.7 million low-income earners approved by the state agency.
Under the scheme, the government transfers 200-300 baht a month to each welfare smart card. Recipients earning under 30,000 baht a year get a monthly allowance of 300 baht and those with annual earnings of 30,000 to 100,000 baht receive 200 baht to buy low-priced consumer products at Thong Fah Pracha Rat shops and other designated stores.
Each cardholder also receives 1,500 baht each month to subsidise transport, and 500 baht for inter-provincial public buses, third-class trains, and local public buses and electric trains.
Mr Apisak said the ministry has assigned the state-owned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to purchase the entire output of some specific produce to lower growers’ risks and sustain their income under the second phase of the scheme.
The Government Savings Bank is another tool the government will use to boost income for urban low-income earners.
To allow people to live comfortably, the country’s economy must reach its growth potential of 4-5%, Mr Apisak said.