The co-payment scheme has shifted consumer spending towards small retailers and food delivery platforms, affecting medium-sized operators, with tax-registered restaurants in this category seeing sales decline by 30-50%, the TRA said. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) wants to unlock the conditions for the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" co-payment scheme by expanding eligibility to business of all sizes, supporting business continuity and employment.The latest findings from the Retail Sentiment Index (RSI), jointly conducted by the Bank of Thailand and the TRA, indicate retail operators hold a more positive outlook towards the economy and consumer purchasing power from July to September, supported by the government's stimulus scheme, which is expected to inject liquidity into small shops and vulnerable micro-entrepreneurs.
However, based on an initial assessment the measure may result in consumer spending being concentrated among participating stores, while mid-sized shops and restaurants, tax-registered operators, and modern trade retailers may not benefit from the scheme in a comprehensive manner, noted the association.
The government should consider introducing targeted supplementary measures to support tax-registered medium-sized and large operators, or consider expanding eligibility under the co-payment scheme in its next phase, said TRA president Nath Vongphanich.
