B40-per-dish food project planned

The government plans to launch a project that would allow vendors to offer ready-to-eat food at 40 baht per dish by next month, according to the commerce minister. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said food vendors were being invited to take part in the 40-baht meal project. She expected it would be launched by the end of the month and would help bring down the cost of living. The project would have an initial life of three months, but could be expanded. Ms Suphajee said high fuel prices had led to food vendors raising their prices by 5-10 baht per dish. Prices were now above 50 baht. The government would provide participating vendors with a raw materials subsidy, which could be 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000 baht per vendor. The government would finalise the subsidy amount, and pick the dishes that would be included in the 40-baht list. Ms Suphajee expected 100,000 food vendors would participate. She based this on the roughly 250,000 food vendors who are already within the network of the Ministry of Commerce and take part in the ongoing Thais Help Thais Plus co-payment scheme. The commerce minister said she would present the project to the cabinet in the third week of this month. If the cabinet gives approval, the project could be implemented before August, she said. Ms Suphajee said vendors' participation would be voluntary. “This will give people another choice of meals. The ministry will print clear signs that will be posted by participating vendors… If the project is well received it could continue and the number of eateries offering economical dishes could expand nationwide,” Ms Suphajee said. Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.