Phase 4 of Khon La Khrueng co-payment scheme to launch month early on Tuesday
The Finance Ministry will launch phase four of the “Khon La Khrueng” (Let's Go Halves) shopping subsidy scheme a month early on February 1 (Tuesday), government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Sunday.
The move comes after the Cabinet approved a budget of 34.8 billion baht for the fourth phase, aimed at reducing living costs and generating revenue for small businesses. Under the new phase, which was originally due to launch on March 1, 29 million people will be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on products and services, capped at 150 baht per day and 1,200 baht per person. The subsidy scheme does not cover the lottery, alcohol or tobacco.
"About 27.98 million existing registrants can verify their eligibility via the Paotang app on February 1 from 6am onwards," Thanakorn said.
The shopping subsidies will be available from February 1 to April 30. Registrants must use the scheme before 10.59pm on February 28, otherwise their registration will be transferred to others.
Meanwhile, up to 1 million eligible people who have not yet joined the scheme can register from February 10 on the Paotang app or at www.คนละครึ่ง.com, with subsidies available from February 17 to April 30, he said.
Registrants under the "Shop Dee Mee Kuen" (Shop and Payback) scheme can also use privileges under phase four of Khon La Khrueng scheme.
The launch of phase four had been brought forward after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concern over people’s living costs, Thanakorn said. The premier has urged agencies to ensure the scheme is ready to operate when it opens on February 1, he added.
