Thailand Launches 40-Baht Meal Program For Salary Workers

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand announced on July 11 that the Commerce Ministry is preparing details for a cost-of-living relief initiative targeting affordable prepared meals. The initiative, called 'Rice and Curry Thai Helps Thai,' builds upon the previous 'Thai Helps Thai Plus' program. The ministry will recruit restaurants to offer curry rice dishes and ready-to-eat meals priced at 40 baht per plate. Approximately 250,000 restaurants under the Commerce Ministry network and currently participating in Thai Helps Thai Plus are eligible. Participating restaurants will receive government support for food ingredients, with subsidies being considered at 3,000, 5,000, or 10,000 baht per establishment. The program aims to pilot with 100,000 restaurants initially, running for a minimum of three months. Implementation will begin immediately upon Cabinet approval, with details to be submitted by the Department of Internal Trade within the third week of this month. Supachai emphasized the goal is to ease the financial burden on salaried workers by expanding the Thai Helps Thai Plus program using existing restaurants. Participation is voluntary, and the ministry will not force restaurants to reduce prices but will ask them to prepare quality meals with appropriate portions at no more than 40 baht per plate, such as rice with curry and at least two side dishes. The Commerce Ministry will place clear signage at participating restaurants to help the public identify affordable dining options. If the response is positive, the program will be expanded nationwide with increasing numbers of budget restaurants.