The Cabinet has endorsed a 157-billion-baht economic stimulus package aimed at driving national recovery while adapting to global shifts, including trade disputes and volatile markets.
Key Takeways
- The Cabinet approved a 157 billion baht stimulus plan to address global trade conflicts and market changes. Proposed by the Ministry of Finance, this plan aligns with the Economic Stimulus Policy Committee’s recommendations and will utilize the fiscal year 2025 budget.
- Targeting infrastructure, tourism, exports, and human capital, the plan includes projects like water system improvements and transportation upgrades. Tourism enhancements aim at better facilities and travel promotion, while exports focus on technology support, low-interest loans, and digital systems investment.
- Community development will be supported through the SML fund and education projects. Agencies must submit proposals by May’s end for Cabinet approval in June, with budget disbursement in July. Overseen by the Finance Ministry, this initiative aims to boost employment and promote long-term growth.
Proposed by the Ministry of Finance, this plan is influenced by the Economic Stimulus Policy Committee and will utilize the fiscal year 2025 central budget. It emphasizes infrastructure, tourism, exports, and human capital. Infrastructure projects focus on water systems, flood prevention, and transportation enhancements. In tourism, funding aims to improve facilities, safety, and promote visits to smaller cities.
The 157-billion-baht economic stimulus plan includes the following details:
1. Water infrastructure:
- Flood prevention during the rainy season and water storage for the dry season
- Water distribution to communities and agricultural areas nationwide
- Development and improvement of water supply systems
2. Transportation:
- Resolving traffic bottlenecks and missing links
- Enhancing safety for travel and freight transport
- Addressing railway and road level crossing issues
- Constructing and upgrading truck rest areas to enforce the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522
- Improving and developing roads connecting secondary cities, tourist spots, and production areas
3. Tourism development:
- Upgrading tourist attractions, sports facilities, and amenities such as restrooms, accommodation, and signage
- Improving convenience systems for tourists
- Enhancing tourist safety, including installing CCTV in key tourist cities
- Stimulating domestic tourism, especially in secondary cities
4. Reducing export impacts and increasing productivity:
- Supporting farmers and SMEs to use advanced technology and adapt cultivation areas appropriately
- Providing financial support and credit (for exporters) to promote employment through social security funds
- Developing digital infrastructure to support digital government and international trade
5. Community economy and other projects:
- Supporting village and urban community funds (SML) as financial resources for local people and grassroots economic development
- Developing community economies based on local stakeholder needs
- Human capital development through education as a foundation for national economic growth
Export strategies include technology support for agriculture, low-interest loans for SMEs, and investment in digital systems to enhance trade. The community will benefit from the SML fund and educational projects focused on youth training. Anticipated outcomes include job creation, increased cash flow, and long-term growth foundations. Agencies must submit proposals by May for Economic Stimulus Committee review, with Cabinet approval expected in June. Budget disbursement starts in July, overseen by the Finance Ministry for effective implementation.
