Government-run pawnshops have been ordered to waive interest on repayment of loans up to 5,000 baht, Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Sunday.

Pawnshops run by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will extend their operating hours to 6pm from the current 4pm closing, so as to help city residents to cope with the rising cost of living, the director of the BMA pawnshop office has announced.