'Half-Half Plus' Registration Opens, Sees Massive First-Day Demand

BANGKOK, Oct 20 (TNA) - The first-day registration for Thailand's "Half-Half Plus" co-payment stimulus scheme saw overwhelming public demand, quickly filling most available slots. 

Registration, which is open from October 20 to 26 via the Paotang app, saw approximately 17.5 million of the 20 million slots filled within the first five hours of opening. 

The scheme, which runs from October 29 to December 31, 2025, grants eligible citizens a subsidy of 2,000 to 2,400 baht, providing a 50% co-payment up to 200 baht per person per day. To manage the surge, the Finance Ministry doubled the app's capacity to 100,000 transactions per second. The government expects full registration within three days and projects the 44-billion-baht scheme will inject 88 billion baht into the economy. 

The benefits cover a broad range of items, including food, beverages, general goods, and personal services, but exclude alcohol, tobacco, and books. 

Crucially, the program has been expanded to include public transportation nationwide, such as taxis and public buses, with a 200-baht subsidy available on bus tickets. The food delivery component will be active starting November 7.

New participants must complete their first purchase by November 11 to retain their eligibility. -819 (TNA)