by Thidarat na Phatthalung

The millions of low-income earners being handed "Help the nation" cheques from tomorrow are being targeted by campaigns launched in thousands of stores.

If cashed at a commercial bank, each cheque is worth Bt2,000 ($85.20), but that value can be much higher if it's spent directly at shops, department stores and entertainment complexes.

The company employee is now hunting for shops with the most interesting promotions.

Hoping to boost the sagging economy with the free cash, the government is finding that businesses like Pizza Hut, Carrefour, Big C, Tesco Lotus and CP Fresh Mart are playing along by encouraging spending sprees with attractive offers.

More bang for your baht

At Central department stores, each "Help the nation" cheque can be exchanged for a Bt2,200 cash card and a 50-per-cent-discount coupon for purchases at the store. At KFC, your cheque buys Bt2,000 in cash coupons plus 20 pieces of fried chicken. Most promotions are valid until May.

Woralak Anothaisinthawee, a news reporter, says she'll be picking up a "Help the nation" cheque at her office tomorrow and taking advantage of the deals. "I'll use it to buy groceries at Tesco Lotus and Big C and a few books at Nanmee-books," she says.

However, not all low-income earners are planning a shopping spree.

"I will buy basic necessities and save what's left of the money in the bank. I'm not interested in department stores' campaigns because I have simple needs," says Wassana Jantuek, a cleaner.

Security-guard Jit Petchkeaw is full of praise for the government's initiative, and the store promotions have caught his eye. "But I work so hard that I really have no time to shop," he says.