The government’s Khon La Khrueng (half-half) co-payment economic stimulus scheme will begin on Oct 29, with registration expected to open soon after cabinet approval next week, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
Mr Ekniti, also deputy prime minister, said registration would use the same system, based on the Pao Tang app, that consumers are familiar with from 2020-22 when the programme was first introduced to stimulate the pandemic-hit economy.
The programme will last for two months, with the daily co-payment limit increased to 200 baht from 150 baht previously, aimed at delivering a ‘quick big win’ to stimulate spending and the economy.
The increase is part of a dual-pronged ‘Plus’ enhancement – a higher subsidy and broader inclusion, said the minister.
‘Quick’ refers to the speed of implementation – with the project ready for immediate rollout following cabinet approval. ‘Big’ represents an increase in the co-payment share, said Mr Ekniti.
‘Win’ means this round will be expanded to include small legal entities in addition to individual vendors, in response to public feedback and a desire to distribute benefits more broadly among small business operators and taxpayers.
‘Plus’ means that people who pay tax will qualify for an additional 2,400 baht in co-payment benefits, reflecting the government’s intent to reward those who participate in the tax system. ‘Plus’ also represents the focus on digital skill development, said the minister. Participating vendors will be encouraged to adopt digital tools, use e-commerce platforms, and basic accounting systems to enhance financial literacy and competitiveness among Thai small businesses.
During the debate on the government’s policy statement on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed criticism that the scheme is a thinly veiled attempt at pre-election campaigning.
Khon La Khrueng proved popular and effective during the pandemic, as it subsidised purchases of selected daily-use goods, easing household burdens while injecting cash directly into the economy.
The scheme had a total budget of 208 billion baht from 2020-22. Thais 18 and older who did not hold state welfare cards were eligible, with about 30 million participants in total.
The budget for the 2025 version of the programme has not been confirmed but it is expected to be around 50 billion baht.