Thais Help Thais Plus spending surpasses THB121.8bn
Thais Help Thais Plus spending reached THB121.85 billion as a survey found 71.77% of respondents had used the scheme, mainly for everyday essentials
- Cumulative spending under the Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme reached THB 121.848 billion by August 21, 2026.
- The total amount comprises THB 70.0544 billion contributed by the government and THB 51.7936 billion paid by over 26 million participants.
- A government survey indicated the program helped ease expenses and encouraged spending, with funds primarily used for everyday items like ready-to-eat meals, fresh food, and household goods.
- The scheme reportedly boosted consumer confidence and increased purchases from local community businesses, benefiting both families and small enterprises.
Cumulative spending under the Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme reached THB121.848 billion by 11pm on Friday (August 21, 2026), according to the government.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the government was continuing to monitor the programme alongside a nationwide survey conducted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) in July.
The survey involved 5,465 respondents, of whom 71.77% reported using the scheme and 28.23% said they had not.
The findings indicated that the programme had helped ease expenses, encourage spending and support purchases from community shops, Lalida said.
Survey points to everyday spending
Ready-to-eat meals, including rice dishes, noodles and prepared food, were the most commonly selected category, cited by 48.22% of respondents.
Fresh food was selected by 38.87%, followed by daily necessities and household goods at 32.22%, cooking ingredients at 26.73% and food-delivery orders at 23.97%.
Drinks accounted for 21.23%, while 21.02% selected packaged or prepared food.
Respondents could choose more than one category, meaning the percentages should not be combined to produce a total of 100%.
Households redirect savings
The survey also identified changes in spending behaviour. Some 36.96% of respondents reported feeling more confident about spending, while 24.50% used money saved through the programme for other essential expenses.
Another 23% increased their purchases from local or community businesses.
Among other responses, 8.60% put the savings aside, 7.25% used them to repay debts and 5.75% purchased higher-quality products. Some 4.43% reported reducing their borrowing or credit-card use.
“The important point is that government support does not help only at the moment of payment,” Lalida said.
“It also leaves some households with money for other essential expenses and increases purchases from community shops, benefiting both families and small businesses.”
Spending reaches THB121.848 billion
As of 11pm on August 21, the scheme had 26,040,623 eligible recipients and 1,192,957 shops that had passed the verification process.
Cumulative spending totalled THB121.848 billion, comprising THB70.0544 billion contributed by the government and THB51.7936 billion paid by participants.
Of the government contribution, THB67.5463 billion was spent at regular shops and THB2.5081 billion through food-delivery services.
Participants spent THB49.8515 billion at regular shops and THB1.9421 billion through food-delivery services.
The government stressed that THB121.848 billion represented cumulative transactions under the scheme, not an assessment of its total net economic impact.
Shops may retain customers
The survey also indicated that participating shops could retain some customers after the programme ends.
Some 31.58% of respondents expected to make most of their future purchases from the same shops, while 20.70% planned to return for some purchases.
Another 11.29% expected to make about half of their purchases from the same businesses, while 6.55% intended to return for all their purchases. Only 0.88% said they would not return at all.
Digital barriers remain
Some people were unable to access the scheme because they missed registration, failed to register, did not apply or did not meet the eligibility requirements.
Technology also presented difficulties. Reported problems included not owning a smartphone, using an incompatible device, being unable to download or operate the application and encountering difficulties with identity verification or facial scanning.
These barriers were particularly significant for older people and those unfamiliar with digital systems.
“The government will use the survey findings to monitor and assess the measure in terms of easing living costs, generating sales for small shops and ensuring public access, particularly among people facing digital constraints,” Lalida said.
The government would also disclose operational data so the public could track how state contributions and participants’ payments circulated through local economies, she added.
Scheme runs until September 30
Under the Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 scheme, the government covers 60% of eligible spending on participating food, drinks, goods and services.
The government contribution is capped at 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht per person per month, while participants pay the remaining 40%.
The entitlement can be used until September 30, 2026. Unused monthly credit cannot be carried forward to the following month.
