The Commerce Ministry has suspended the collection of monthly rental fees from more than 2,000 food shops and goods stalls under its supervision for three months, as part of the government’s economic stimulus measures.
Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that the measures, which are already being rolled out, aim to help people and small businesses.
Some 2,083 shops and stalls will benefit from the measure, said Phumtham.
He also encouraged other ministries, as well as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which oversees Chatuchak markets, to follow his ministry’s example.
The Commerce Ministry has also assigned its provincial offices nationwide to organise markets to offer reasonably priced products to local people.
This project will begin on August 20, he said, adding the venues for the markets could be anywhere convenient for vendors and buyers.
For the Defence Ministry, Phumtham said he has already asked those concerned to use military trucks, from which to sell necessities and other goods in remote areas.
He added that these measures are being initiated in preparation for spending under the “Digital Wallet” scheme, expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Main photo : Market inside the Commerce Ministry
