The Thai government has introduced a “Quick Big Win” stimulus initiative aimed at invigorating the economy in the fourth quarter, primarily through the ‘Rao Chana Plus’ co-payment scheme. With a budget of 44 billion baht, the scheme will subsidize half the cost of goods—up to 200 baht per person daily—for 20 million individuals, helping reduce living expenses and support small businesses.
This key stimulus measure is expected by the Fiscal Policy Office to contribute approximately 0.3-0.4% to Q4 GDP growth. It forms part of a comprehensive five-pillar strategy that also targets household debt reduction, SME liquidity enhancement, the establishment of a savings system, and improvements in long-term competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun outlined plans to accelerate economic initiatives for the final quarter, with fiscal measures aimed at swift economic revival. The current administration, led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is prioritizing rapid-impact “Quick Big Win” policies.
Main Stimulus: ‘Let’s Go Halves Plus’
The primary component, ‘Let’s Go Halves Plus’ (Co-Payment Scheme), is scheduled for Cabinet approval on October 7, 2025. The scheme intends to generate a positive economic effect for the remainder of the year, balancing stimulus efforts with fiscal discipline.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti revealed that the Ministry of Finance plans to propose a 44-billion-baht budget for the scheme, targeting 20 million beneficiaries. The initiative will subsidize half of the cost of goods—up to 200 baht daily per person—with registration for merchants opening on October 15, 2025. Citizens can sign up via the “Pao Tang” app starting October 20, with spending beginning October 29 and continuing through December 2025.
When combined with the ‘Rao Chana Plus’ support via the State Welfare Card, this initiative will extend benefits to a total of 33.5 million people, significantly boosting purchasing power toward the year’s end. The Fiscal Policy Office estimates this will positively impact GDP by about 0.3-0.4%, compared to an anticipated 0.3% growth if no intervention occurs.
In addition, the program aims to strengthen small merchants by providing digital economy training—including skills related to accounting and credit access—through resources available on the “Tung Ngern” app. Registered taxpayers will also receive a higher subsidy (2,400 baht vs. 2,000 baht for non-taxpayers) as an incentive for tax compliance.
Fiscal Discipline and Long-Term Focus
Ekniti emphasized that the government is committed to maintaining fiscal discipline while implementing these policies. He acknowledged concerns from rating agencies about Thailand’s economic outlook due to high uncertainty but stated that many of the new measures utilize existing FY 2025 budget funds. This includes 23 billion baht allocated for the State Welfare Card top-up and a quick repayment of 34 billion baht to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), demonstrating the government’s fiscal responsibility.