Anutin’s short-lived government banks on quick fixes amid Thailand’s economic strain

[BANGKOK] Thailand’s new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has outlined a mix of quick relief measures and longer-term reforms as he seeks to steady the economy during what may be a short-lived administration.

Among the immediate steps is the revival of the “half-half” subsidy scheme, first introduced under former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during the Covid-19 years.

The government plans to spend 25 billion baht (S$995.84 million) on the programme, which will see some 30 million people pay half-price for food and small items for up to 150 baht a day, with the balance covered by the state.