State steps in to cushion poor from economic hardship with food stamps, free utilities; billions in tax incentives

The government will today unveil a Bt3-billion stimulus package and plans to inject more money into the economy to help low-income groups and those hit by rising energy costs.

Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee says the Cabinet will approve several measures suggested by the finance, energy and transport ministries.

Surapong says the Finance Ministry seeks the slashing of excise tax on gasohol E85 from Bt2.58 a litre to half a baht.

In addition, food stamps will be given to the poor.

Families with monthly incomes of Bt6,000 or less will be given coupons to buy necessities at subsidised prices and get free public services. The National Economic and Social Develop-ment Board will identify those qualified to receive handouts.

Overall, these, and other undisclosed measures, are worth an estimated Bt3.04 billion, according to government sources.

Free water, power for some

Stalled infrastructure projects will get a kick start. Surapong says the government will this year start construction of at least of one mass-transit route - the purple line linking Bang Sue and Bang Yai.

Additional measures to help the poor include free tap water for households using fewer than 50 units a month and free electricity for households using fewer than 150 units a month, sources say.

The Interior Ministry will put on 700 public buses in Bangkok to transport those with government stamps.