20 Million Thais Celebrating! Treasury Approves Half Plus Program Disbursing 4,000 Baht Per Person, Including Welfare Card Holders
The Thai government has approved the Half Plus program, disbursing 4,000 baht each to over 20 million people starting in June, with welfare card holders included for the first time in the relief initiative.
The Treasury has greenlit the Half Plus program offering 4,000 baht to over 20 million people—the largest beneficiary group in program history—and confirmed that welfare card holders will be included. On April 27, government sources revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has completed consultations with Finance Ministry officials on the Half Plus program. More than 20 million people will receive simultaneous benefits, with registration opening in May and payments starting in June at 1,000 baht monthly for four months. "Deputy PM Ekniti has finalized the Half Plus program framework, covering over 20 million beneficiaries ensuring universal assistance regardless of tax status," a source stated. "The government will cover 60 percent of costs while recipients pay 40 percent as an energy crisis relief measure." Funding sources are being prepared through multiple channels, pending finalization of unused 2024 budget allocations by April 30 to enact the necessary budget transfer legislation. The Half Plus program will run alongside additional payments to approximately 14 million existing welfare card holders, each receiving an additional 4,000 baht distributed monthly at 1,000 baht increments, though recipients pay full product prices. Both programs fall under the broader "Thailand Helps Thailand Plus" relief package. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously noted this Half Plus iteration offers the largest benefits and highest beneficiary count yet, as citizens face severe energy crisis impacts with recovery expected to take longer than typical economic downturns.
