Rice sellers see sales surge as locals stock up after payments

The atmosphere at Nong Chang’s Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Uthai Thani is vibrant, as vulnerable groups gradually withdraw 10,000 baht to purchase rice for stock. Shop owners report a surge in sales, with many customers buying in bulk after a long period of low sales.

On September 26, 2024, the Ministry of Finance began disbursing 10,000 baht to 14.5 million vulnerable individuals on September 25. This includes the elderly and the disabled, who are excitedly using their funds to buy essential products, especially rice, for their families. Many expressed immense relief and happiness, with some waking early to queue at ATMs.

However, some individuals were unable to withdraw their funds due to their ID numbers not ending with 1-3, indicating they will have to wait for future days. Bank staff were on hand to assist and inform citizens at the ATMs. Many villagers showed great joy upon receiving their funds, though some, like an elderly woman, displayed exhaustion while waiting for their registration to proceed to the next round.

Mr. Manat Palang, a resident of Pradaraeng in Nong Chang, noted he planned to purchase rice, dried foods, and other essentials, emphasizing that they need rice daily due to its high cost, around 400 baht per container. He thanked the government for assisting citizens during these difficult economic times. There were also reports of elderly individuals being unable to withdraw money because they lacked state welfare cards or their names were missing from the records, necessitating contact with their bank to clarify eligibility.

Mrs. Ampai Boonma, the wife of a disabled man, reported that despite visiting the bank for two consecutive days, she was unable to withdraw the funds for her husband due to unspecified issues.

Ms. Sutthawan Chieokhetvith, a rice merchant, revealed that since the government began disbursing these funds, her business has significantly increased, with daily sales now reaching tens of thousands of baht. Many customers are buying in large quantities, demonstrating a positive impact on the local economy.

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