The Thai government plans to launch the second phase of its “co-payment” consumer subsidy scheme in January, a government spokesperson said on Monday, as the government tries to boost a struggling economy.
The size of the next phase has not been decided yet but will be financed from the 2026 fiscal budget, Siripong Angkasakulkiat told a news conference.
The first phase of the scheme, worth 44 billion baht ($1.34 billion) and covering about 20 million people, was fully subscribed on the first day of registration on Monday, he said.
The scheme is among a series of government measures aimed at lifting economic growth above 2.2% this year. On Tuesday, the cabinet will consider new incentives to boost domestic tourism, including tax deductions.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government has limited time to implement its measures, with the premier planning to dissolve parliament by the end of January with a general election to be held in March or early April.