The government is preparing to launch phase 2 of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, after all 20 million available slots for the initial stage were filled on the first day of registration, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
He said after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting that the scheme, which opened for public registration on Monday, has already reached its full capacity of 20 million participants.
“All rights under the Khon La Khrueng scheme have now been fully allocated. There will be a phase two,” said Mr Anutin.
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said that for those who were unable to register during phase one, which ends on Dec 31, the government is considering launching phase two in January.
He said phase two will prioritise individuals who missed out in the first round, with remaining places allocated in order of registration. Funding will come from the central budget as part of broader economic stimulus efforts.
Additionally, participating merchants in the “Thung Ngern” (Money Bag) app will be included in upskilling/reskilling programmes to enhance their service capacity, delivered through the same application.
When asked whether a potential House dissolution would affect the implementation of phase two, Mr Siripong said such matters would require consultation with the Election Commission (EC) to determine the relevant legal implications.
Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesman for the Finance Ministry, said the supplementary registration round for the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme on Tuesday morning received strong and continuous public interest.
The ministry opened registration for about 496,000 remaining slots from 6am, and all places were filled by 7.24am.