20m Thais set to reap benefits from co-payment scheme

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" (Half-Half Plus) co-payment programme starting today is expected to benefit 20 million citizens nationwide.

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The initiative aims to stimulate domestic spending and prevent the economy from slowing further in the final quarter of 2025, said Mr Ekniti.

Without intervention, fourth-quarter GDP was projected to grow only 0.3%. With the government's stimulus measures, growth could rise to around 1%, he said.

The government allocated 44.4 billion baht for the programme. Non-taxpayers receive 2,000 baht each, while taxpayers receive 2,400 baht each, usable from Oct 29 until 11pm on Dec 31. Participants can spend up to 200 baht a day, with the government covering half of that amount.

Mr Ekniti said the public response to the programme was overwhelming, with all 20 million allotments filled.

Roughly 190,000 applications were rejected, mostly from welfare cardholders who already receive direct assistance.