BANGKOK, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved minimum wage increases and the second phase of the government's cash handout program for senior citizens, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.

The Southeast Asian country's wage committee on Monday agreed to adjust the minimum wage, raising daily wages by an average of 2 percent to between 337 and 400 baht (about 9.86 and 11.71 U.S. dollars) depending on the region, effective from January.

The highest rate within this range will apply specifically to the popular resort islands of Phuket and Samui, along with provinces in the Eastern Economic Corridor -- Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong.

Speaking at a press conference, Paetongtarn said the cabinet approved the second phase of the cash handout program that would provide around 4 million citizens aged 60 and above with 10,000 baht (about 292 dollars) each by the end of January.

The first phase of the program, launched in September, distributed a cash stimulus of 145.5 billion baht (about 4.26 billion dollars) to around 14.55 million underprivileged individuals and people with disabilities.

Some 36 million Thais have registered for the handout scheme, a key campaign promise of Paetongtarn's ruling Pheu Thai Party.

The cabinet also approved a tax deduction of up to 50,000 baht (about 1,464 dollars) for purchases of certain goods and services, aiming to stimulate economic activity and spur consumer spending between January and February, the prime minister said. Enditem

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