Even those without a smartphone can receive ‘RaoChana’ cash: deputy PM
People who don’t own smartphones can still register for the government’s “RaoChana” (WeWin) cash-handout campaign at state-run banks, Deputy PM Supattanapong Punmeechaow said in a Facebook post.
Under the scheme, self-employed people, farmers and welfare cardholders whose savings do not exceed Bt500,000, will be given two monthly payments of Bt3,500 each in a bid to ease their financial burden during the Covid-19 crisis.
Beneficiaries of the social-security system, government officials and employees of state enterprises do not qualify for the handout.
“Statistics shows that nearly 90 per cent of Thais above the age of six own smartphones and 96.4 per cent of them have internet access through their phones,” Supattanaphong, who is also energy minister, said. “Most of those who do not own a smartphone are among the 13.8 million state welfare cardholders, and they should not have a problem because the cash will be automatically deposited in their cards.
“The only group that may face challenges under this scheme are non-cardholders with no smartphone. These people can register at state-run banks nationwide,” he added.
People can register at state-run banks from January 29 to February 12, the minister said.
He also said people cannot withdraw the “RaoChana” handout in cash because the authorities want to cut the risk of Covid-19 spreading and “reduce crowds at ATMs at the start of each month when the money is deposited”.
Instead, people have to download the Pao Tang mobile application to spend the money. There are no details yet on how people who do not own a smartphone will spend the money.
Meanwhile, deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek tweeted on Thursday that RaoChana funds can be used to pay for food, necessities as well as for taxis, motorbike taxis and public vans from February 18 until May 31.
“Businesses who wish join the campaign can register at www.เราชนะ.com from January 29 until March 31,” she added.