Key facts
- Thailand will extend its consumer subsidy program using 40 billion baht ($1.20 billion) remaining from the first phase.
- The extension is subject to cabinet approval and is aimed at easing living costs and stimulating the economy.
- The first phase covered about 43 million people from June to September, with participants receiving 1,000 baht ($30.04) per month.
- The government subsidized 60% of eligible purchases, capped at 200 baht per person per day.
- The extension will last for two months.
- A second phase of the co-payment scheme is planned for January, financed from the 2026 fiscal budget.
Thailand's government plans to extend its consumer subsidy program, utilizing 40 billion baht ($1.20 billion) that remains from the initial phase. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated on Friday that the extension, which requires cabinet approval, aims to alleviate living costs and stimulate the economy.
The first phase of the program, which ran from June to September, covered approximately 43 million people. Participants received a monthly subsidy of 1,000 baht ($30.04), with the government covering 60% of eligible purchases up to a daily cap of 200 baht per person. The extension is expected to last for two months.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul described the initiative not as a populist policy, but as a measure for economic stimulus and expense relief during a period of high living costs. Separately, a government spokesperson confirmed that a second phase of the co-payment scheme is being prepared to launch in January, funded by the 2026 fiscal budget. This upcoming phase aims to further boost domestic spending and economic growth, with the government targeting a GDP growth rate above 2.2% for the year. The first phase of the co-payment scheme, valued at 44 billion baht, supported 20 million citizens and was fully subscribed quickly, indicating strong public demand. The government is also considering other stimulus measures, including tax deductions for domestic tourism, as it seeks to bolster the economy.