Thailand’s Culture Ministry announced plans on Wednesday to subsidize art and cultural venues affected by the global recession and recent political turmoil. They've allocated more than 740 million baht ($20.9 million).
"We will urgently extend assistance to operators in trouble. It would be a shame if the economic crisis forced them out of business," Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch is quoted saying in The Nation.
Popular theaters such as Bangkok’s Siam Niramit and Pattaya’s Thai Alangkarn are among the many cultural venues experiencing decreased sales. Art shops and galleries are suffering from slow business as well.
Cultural operators and artists are expected to receive 350 million baht ($9.9 million) in aid, and approximately 395 million baht ($11.25 million) has been allocated for the funding of the Cultural Content and Creative Festival.
1 USD = 35.28 THB