Abhisit Demands Clarity from Akanat on Half-Plus-Half Program and Budget Usage
Democrat Party leader Abhisit demanded the government clarify how it will fund and structure economic relief programs, particularly the half-plus-half initiative, questioning whether the plan effectively targets vulnerable groups or require
April 25, 2026 – At the Democrat Party headquarters, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called for the government to accelerate clarification on its economic solutions. He acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akanat Nitithanpraphas's efforts in working through various legislative steps regarding budget transfers and the 2570 fiscal year budget bill framework. Abhisit stressed the need to clarify whether borrowing will ultimately be necessary and how vulnerable group assistance programs will be structured, emphasizing the need for precision.
The Democrat Party maintains that the best current relief measures would involve using existing tools, including excise tax reductions on refined goods, to help from the source rather than downstream. This would reduce the government's burden of providing end-stage assistance.
Regarding the half-plus-half program where the state contributes 60% and citizens pay 40%, Abhisit questioned its effectiveness in alleviating public hardship. He noted confusion about whether the program targets vulnerable groups or the general public, and requested clear figures. He emphasized that government spending should primarily aim to help those most affected, rather than serve merely as economic stimulus.
Abhisit expressed reservations about the program's success, citing past relief measures—including transport and taxi assistance and Commerce Ministry programs—as disproportionate to the number of people suffering. He called for clarity on the project's main framework and questioned whether implementation would require a budget transfer bill, supplementary budget, special loans, or borrowed funds.
