PHITSANULOK, Thailand – A surge of anticipation is sweeping across the country as citizens queue at Krungthai Bank branches to set up the “Pao Tang” app and complete facial verification ahead of the nationwide rollout of the Khon La Khrueng Plus (Half-Half) program on October 20.
In Phitsanulok, Krungthai Bank branches at Big C and Lotus Tha Thong are crowded with people arriving before opening hours to get queue numbers. Some visitors are using older phones and rely on bank staff for assistance, while others have new phones but haven’t installed the app yet, requiring staff to help them scan their faces for identity verification to ensure they are ready for the official registration period from October 20–26.
The program, part of the Thai government’s budget for 2025–2026 totaling over 60 billion baht, aims to provide financial relief to three groups:
-State welfare cardholders: 13 million people will receive an additional 1,700 baht on top of their existing 300 baht, for a total of 2,000 baht to spend over November–December 2025.
-Non-tax registered citizens: 9 million people will receive 2,000 baht (50:50 government support), capped at 200 baht per day for two months.
-Tax-registered citizens: 11 million people will receive 2,400 baht (50:50 support), capped at 200 baht per day for November–December 2025.
Registration can be completed via the official website, www.คนละครึ่ง.com or through the Pao Tang app linked with G-Wallet, with top-ups available through mobile banking, PromptPay, or ATMs. Benefits can then be spent by scanning QR codes at participating stores.
Officials urge citizens to complete verification early to ensure smooth access when the program officially launches.
