The Finance Ministry will offer free data-only SIM cards and subsidise their monthly fees for registered low-income earners in the second phase of its aid programme for the needy.
Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said on Wednesday in addition to career development, knowledge building was part of the government's second-phase assistance. The goal was to bring them above the poverty line, he said.
According to Mr Apisak, the SIM cards, provided by state-owned TOT Plc, are for internet access only and cannot be used for phone calls.
The government expected the underprivileged could use the internet to enhance their knowledge and skills and apply them to their jobs so they can eventually live above the poverty threshold, he said.
It has yet to be decided whether free smartphones should also be offered alongside the SIM cards.
Since October, the government has offered monthly subsidies for consumer products and public transport fares to 11.67 million registered low-income earners at an estimated cost of 41.9 billion baht a year.
