The government has warned merchants and beneficiaries of the "Thais Help Thais Plus" economic relief scheme not to exchange programme benefits for cash.
Deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said some participants have exploited the scheme by converting government subsidies into cash without genuine purchases of goods or services. "The government strictly prohibits the exchange of programme benefits for cash," she said.
"Such actions violate both the objectives of the project and the law. Both the person exchanging the benefits and the recipient may be prosecuted for fraud under Section 341 of the Criminal Code." Offence is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.
The warning comes amid reports on social media of merchants offering to convert benefits into cash or conducting sham transactions in which customers make nominal purchases while receiving a portion of the government subsidy as cash.
Ms Ploythalay said the programme is being monitored closely. Businesses found violating the rules will have their payments suspended, be barred from participating in future state assistance programmes, and be required to reimburse the government.
Individuals posting advertisements or invitations encouraging people to exchange benefits for cash will also face legal action. Information regarding such activities will be forwarded to the Technology Crime Suppression Division for investigation and prosecution.
Authorities said that electronic payment records and transaction data provide an effective means of detecting abuse, even when agreements are made privately between two individuals.
