Thailand to Revisit 40-Baht Rice Curry Plan After Backlash
Thailand's Commerce Ministry will revisit its 40-baht rice curry plan following public backlash, with officials saying the price is negotiable and the government willing to subsidize costs for participating restaurants under an expanded pro
Commerce Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi addressed criticism of the 40-baht rice curry initiative on July 14 at Government House, explaining that the Commerce Ministry can control ingredient costs through the Thai Help Thai program launched April 1. The Internal Trade Department is coordinating directly with the Agriculture Ministry to source ingredients from farmers, allowing the government to manage certain costs while other ingredients fall under other agencies' control.
Supachai outlined an expanded proposal under the Thai Help Thai Plus program, which has registered over 200,000 restaurants. The government would support participating vendors by subsidizing additional costs beyond raw materials, providing affordable meal options for low-income earners. The minister stressed that 40 baht was an initial figure and not final, and that feedback—both supportive and critical—is welcome.
The program was not presented to Cabinet today because disagreement over it does not warrant Cabinet-level debate at this stage, Supachai said. Implementation requires cooperation from multiple sectors and vendors' voluntary participation. The minister acknowledged those who do not see value in the rice curry program and said the Commerce Ministry's goal is to address cost-of-living concerns for all citizens while responding to public demand for affordable daily meals.
