Weak spending on 1st day of stimulus

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) is urging the government to recruit more shops to join the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, following disappointing spending on its first day.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Consumers buy goods at a shop in a Samut Prakan market participating in the co-payment scheme. SOMCHAI POOMLARD

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of UTCC, said government data indicated eligible Thais spent an average of only 250 baht each, totalling 750 million baht from 3 million participants using the scheme on the first day.

“This means consumers are primarily purchasing essential items. The scheme is failing to encourage people to spend more than normal, which is what was expected to lift the economy, he said.