BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is preparing to launch the “Thais Help Thais Plus” program, a new support measure combining benefits from the former “Half-Half Plus” co-payment scheme and the State Welfare Card program. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said registration for merchants and the public is expected to open around May 25, with the program scheduled to begin on June 1.
Under the program, participants must be at least 18 years old and complete identity verification through a system linked to the Ministry of Interior database. Each individual will be eligible for only one entitlement. Low-income earners currently registered in the State Welfare Card system, estimated at about 13.2 million people, are expected to receive a monthly support of 1,000 baht, comprising the existing 300-baht benefit and an additional 700 baht in assistance.
The co-payment portion of the program will operate under a 60-40 structure, with the government covering 60% of expenses and participants paying the remaining 40%. The rollout is expected to be divided into two phases, each lasting 2 months, to allow additional time for eligibility screening and verification of newly registered applicants.
During the initial phase, authorities will primarily rely on the existing State Welfare Card database to open registration to low-income individuals who were previously excluded or had not received benefits. The combined system will also merge merchant databases from the former co-payment program and the Blue Flag Fair Network, which currently includes around 1.4 to 1.5 million participating shops nationwide. (NNT)
