Photo Credit: Chanat Katanyu
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” (Half-Half Plus) co-payment program, launching Wednesday, is expected to benefit 20 million citizens nationwide. The initiative aims to boost domestic spending and prevent further economic slowdown in the last quarter of 2025. Without intervention, GDP growth for Q4 was projected at just 0.3%, but with the stimulus measures, growth could increase to around 1%.
The government has allocated 44.4 billion baht for the scheme. Non-taxpayers will receive 2,000 baht, while taxpayers will get 2,400 baht, valid from October 29 until 11 p.m. on December 31. Participants can spend up to 200 baht daily, with the government covering half of that amount.
Ekniti stated that the response has been overwhelming, with all 20 million allocations claimed. Approximately 190,000 applications were rejected, mostly welfare cardholders who already receive direct assistance. Nearly 600,000 shops have registered to accept payments, with registration open until December 19. Eligible vendors include small shops, massage and spa businesses, and licensed transport operators. Some registered vendors can link with delivery platforms, and several delivery services have agreed to reduce their gross profit fees from 30% to 5%, encouraging vendor participation.
The scheme not only stimulates spending but also helps vendors develop digital sales skills through the government’s “Sell Online Successfully” training program. Retailers expect the scheme to boost sales by at least 10%, especially in consumer goods and provincial stores, while an estimated 59 billion baht could be injected into the economy.
Consumers can start using their funds from Wednesday but must activate benefits by November 11. Food delivery payments via the Pao Tang app will begin on November 7. To participate, users need to link their G Wallet on the Pao Tang app and top up via four channels: mobile banking from major Thai banks using a 15-digit G Wallet ID, linked Krungthai Bank accounts, QR PromptPay from any bank, and ATMs of major banks using the G Wallet ID.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat urged small traders, massage, spa operators, and public transport providers to join the scheme, emphasizing that it offers both immediate economic stimulus and valuable digital skills development. “The government aims to boost the economy quickly and foster sustainable income growth through digital training,” he added.