Barefoot but in line - Thais use shoes to reserve places in bank queues

Thai citizens in several provinces across Thailand, who were having problems registering for the 4,000-baht benefit under the ‘Thai Chuay Thai Plus’ scheme, flocked to Krung Thai Bank branches for assistance long before opening time.

In scenes that quickly drew attention on social media, many people came up with a uniquely Thai way of reserving their places in line — by placing their shoes in queues stretching from the entrances of the banks.

Not only did the unusual queues of shoes astonish many people, but applicants waiting for their turn were also seen standing or walking around barefoot, as their shoes had already been used to hold their places in line.

The shoe queues were reported in several provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima and Kamphaeng Phet, as large crowds sought help with registration problems linked to the ‘Pao Tang’ application.

The government said many applicants had encountered issues, such as changing their phone numbers or forgetting their passwords, requiring them to verify their identities at Krung Thai Bank branches.

Registration for the scheme opened yesterday and will continue until May 29.

Under the co-payment scheme, the taxpayer will subsidise 60% of the amount spent by each recipient on goods and services purchased from participating outlets.

About 30 million Thai citizens aged 18 and over are eligible for the financial support, which will be distributed at 1,000 baht per month for four months beginning on June 1.. Spending under the scheme is capped at 200 baht per day.