BANGKOK, Thailand – The “Half-Half Plus” Co-payment Scheme, a key initiative of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to stimulate Thailand’s economy in the final quarter of 2025 by generating income, reducing living costs, and strengthening small businesses nationwide.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas affirmed that all merchant data under the scheme will be kept confidential, with no information shared with the Revenue Department and no retroactive tax collection. The measure aims to boost confidence and encourage participation from small and micro enterprises—legal entities earning no more than 1.8 million baht a year—which play a vital role in supporting local economies.
Registration for shops and entrepreneurs is open from October 15 to December 19, 2025, via the official website, while the general public can register from October 20 to 26, 2025, through the Pao Tang application. Participants can begin using their benefits from 29 October 29 to December 31, 2025, with food delivery services available from 7 November onward.
Participants will receive a 50% co-payment of up to 200 baht per day — 2,400 baht for those in the tax system and 2,000 baht for others. For state welfare cardholders, the government will provide an additional 850 baht per month in November and December 2025, raising total support to 1,150 baht per month to help ease year-end living costs.
Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said a Phase 2 registration will open for those who missed the first round, with details to be announced later. The government is also reviewing a new welfare card registration round to include those who have never applied, ensuring no one is left behind and that financial aid reaches all eligible citizens.
The government expects “Half-Half Plus” to inject about 88 billion baht into the economy, driving GDP growth by 0.21–0.22%, while extra welfare payments could lift growth by another 0.07–0.08% in late 2025. The initiative serves as a strategic year-end stimulus to boost household spending, support small businesses, and strengthen Thailand’s economic foundation for 2026. (NNT)
