BANGKOK— The Thai government will increase its contribution to 60% in the upcoming “Thai Help Thai Plus” co-payment program to help citizens manage rising living costs. Paradorn Prissananantakul, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that the new stimulus model moves away from the traditional 50:50 split used in previous versions.
Under the new rules, the government will pay 60% of approved purchases while consumers cover the remaining 40%. The scheme aims to support millions of residents and stimulate the domestic economy by driving traffic to local vendors and small businesses.
New Spending Structure Aims to Ease Financial Burden
The shift to a 60% government share marks a significant change in the nation’s strategy for economic relief. In past versions of the “Khon La Khrueng” (Half-Half) scheme, the government and the consumer split the cost of goods equally.
“Authorities are now working on the specific details and timing for the ‘Thai Help Thai Plus’ program to ease the financial burden on our citizens,” Minister Paradorn said during a press briefing. He noted that the government’s portion of the funds would be released in phases, though the exact calendar is still being finalized by the Budget Bureau and the Ministry of Finance.
Key features of the updated plan include:
- Government Share:60% of each transaction.
- Consumer Share:40% of each transaction.
- Beneficiaries:Citizens aged 18 and older.
- Payment Method:Digital transactions via welfare cards and the G-Wallet system.
Funding Sources and Implementation Timeline
The government is looking at several ways to pay for the massive stimulus. According to the Bangkok Post , the central budget will provide the initial funds. Additionally, officials expect to introduce a budget reallocation bill in June to secure more capital.
While the exact start date is not yet set, the Finance Ministry previously indicated that an expansion of the co-payment system could begin as early as May. Lavaron Sangsnit, the permanent secretary for finance, said the goal is to reach more people than the previous phase, which served about 20 million citizens.
“The proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the cabinet on April 21,” Lavaron stated in a separate briefing earlier this month. He added that the final number of participants will depend on the total budget approved for the fiscal year.
Thai Government Building on Past Success
This new phase follows the successful conclusion of the 2025 stimulus measures. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, the previous co-payment program generated 84.2 billion baht in total spending. Over 9.2 million participants used their full allotted benefits before that scheme ended on December 31.
The previous program offered:
- Subsidies between 2,000 and 2,400 baht per person.
- A daily spending limit of 200 baht.
- Extra top-ups for welfare cardholders.
Officials believe the higher 60% subsidy will provide more immediate relief for low-to-middle-income earners who are struggling with the price of essential goods like food, soap, and detergent.
Eligibility and Restrictions
While the government is increasing its share of the bill, the basic rules for who can join remain the same. Applicants must be Thai nationals and at least 18 years old. Once the “ Thai Help Thai Plus ” program launches, shoppers can use their benefits at participating local stores and markets.
However, the government maintains strict rules on what can be bought. As in previous rounds, the subsidies cannot be used to purchase:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Lottery tickets
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is currently drafting the final guidelines to ensure the program reaches those who need it most without overstretching the national budget.
Impact on the Local Economy
Economists suggest that the co-payment model is one of the most effective ways to help small businesses. Because the money must be spent at registered local vendors, the stimulus stays within the community rather than going to large international chains.
“The program is not only about boosting consumption,” Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said of the co-payment strategy. “It also promotes digital inclusion by moving more people into the formal economy through digital payment apps.”
As the government prepares for the May rollout, citizens are advised to keep their welfare cards and mobile applications updated to ensure a smooth registration process once the official dates are announced.
