Cabinet OKs expanded $1.3 bln 'Half-Half' stimulus plan

BANGKOK, Oct 7 (TNA) - Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday approved an expanded phase of the "Khon La Krueng" (Half-Half) co-payment scheme, a short-term stimulus to boost consumer spending in the final two months of the year. 

The scheme, which runs from October 29 to December 31, 2025, has an approved budget of 44 billion baht ($1.3 billion) and is expected to cover over 20 million people. 

The new phase increases the daily government subsidy to 200 baht per person and, for the first time, allows small corporate entities to participate, broadening the scope beyond individual merchants. Officials said approximately 5,000 corporate retailers have expressed interest. 

The program is forecast to boost fourth-quarter GDP by 0.3-0.4% and is also intended to encourage businesses to adopt digital technology.

Individuals under the tax system will receive a total benefit of 2,400 baht from the scheme, while those outside it will get 2,000 baht. Registration for the program is set for October 20-26. 

In a parallel measure targeting low-income citizens, the Cabinet also approved a 1,700 baht top-up for the State Welfare Card program. This top-up brings the total benefit to 2,000 baht over the two-month period for 13.4 million low-income cardholders who are unable to participate in the co-contribution format of the Half-Half scheme. - 819 (TNA)

($1 = approximately 32 Thai Baht)