
The Finance Ministry has set up new booths for people who wish to appeal their rejection for the 5,000 baht government handout or who could not apply online due to the huge numbers showing up.
People from around the country have traveled to Bangkok to protest against rejected claims or because they do not possess enough computer literacy to apply for the handout online.
Due to the large numbers turning up daily at the Finance Ministry, and the limited capacity at that venue, booths have now been moved to the Public Relations Department in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district as there is more space to deal with the crowds.
The campaign, called “Rao Mai Thing Gun” (“We Do Not Leave Anyone Behind”), provides a 5,000 baht per month handout for three months to people who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus.
However, the campaign has been controversial as some industries, such as the massage industry, have been informed they are not eligible for the money.
In addition, numerous self-harm and suicide cases have been linked with people not having enough money due to rejection from the campaign and sinking into a deep financial depression.
With people becoming more desperate as they struggle from suddenly losing their income and livelihoods due to covid-19, going to petition against the original rejection for the handout is the last option.
There were people queuing at the new location soon after the curfew ended at 4 am this morning with thousands more arriving over the following hours.
Source: Thairath