Association urges PM to expand co-pay scheme

The Thai Restaurant Association is urging the prime minister to broaden the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" co-payment scheme, allowing larger restaurant operators to participate. The current initiative subsidizes 60% of purchases, capped at 200 baht per day and 1,000 baht per month for four months, running from June 1 to September 30. It targets small businesses, including restaurants not registered as legal entities, and public transport operators. However, the association argues this exclusion unfairly disadvantages businesses with annual revenues between 2 and 5 million baht, which they classify as small restaurants. These businesses, often legal entities complying with regulations like VAT and social security contributions, are struggling with a 30-50% drop in sales and a 15-20% increase in raw material costs. They also face challenges from rising labor costs, shortages, and high delivery platform commissions. Suki Teenoi, a shabu shabu chain, noted a significant decline in diners as customers shifted to micro-vendors participating in the scheme. The company plans to use this period for renovations. The association's president, Thaniwan Kulmongkol, stated that small operators who are legal entities feel the current scheme is unfair as they are not eligible despite facing economic impacts. The association plans to submit an open letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to address these concerns.

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Small restaurant operators who are legal entities feel this is unfair. They have complied with all regulations, including value-added tax registration, and social security contributions for employees. They are also feeling the economic impact, but are not eligible to participate in the current co-payment scheme