Thailand finally has a B7.5 billion COVID-19 relief program for small businesses

The past few months have been a turbulent ride for owners and employees of food, drinks and entertainment businesses. As the coronavirus infections escalated, bars, museums and theaters were ordered shut, while restaurants were asked to limit their services to only takeout and delivery. These businesses wouldn’t have minded the restrictions had they been granted sufficient support from the government. But none came. Many expressed their anger through social media, while some industry leaders visited the Parliament to file complaints.

Now, after months of angry dissent, the public outcry has—eventually—been heard. Yesterday (June 28), Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the spokesperson for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), confirmed the implementation of a COVID-19 relief program for owners and staff of the many restaurants, bars, and entertainment- and…