Chaiyaphum Residents Rush to Buy New Smartphones to Enroll in 'Thai Helps Thai Plus' Program
Residents in Chaiyaphum are rushing to buy new smartphones and SIM cards to join the Thai government's "Thai Helps Thai Plus" program, which offers 4,000 baht per eligible citizen, as older devices cannot run the required updated mobile app
Chaiyaphum – May 25, 2026. On the first day of registration for the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" program, residents are rushing to purchase new smartphones and SIM cards to participate in the government initiative offering 4,000 baht per person (paid in four monthly installments of 1,000 baht each). The program is available to Thai citizens aged 18 and above, with 30 million slots available.
Long lines formed at mobile phone shops throughout Phu Khiao District in Chaiyaphum from early morning. Residents are buying new phones and new SIM cards to support the latest version of the "PromptPay" mobile application required for registration. Mobile shop staff report that older iPhone models (below iPhone X) and Android phones below version 10 cannot run the updated app, prompting many residents to purchase new devices to claim their benefits.
Ban Nong Khan resident Banjon Keyyaew, 57, explained that he needed to purchase a new SIM card because his old one was no longer functional, requiring him to upgrade to register in time for the program. He hopes the 4,000-baht assistance will help ease his household expenses.
Meanwhile, Krung Thai Bank's Phu Khiao branch saw crowds from three districts—Phu Khiao, Ban Thaen, and Kaset Sombun—where no bank branches exist locally. Many elderly residents, most of whom have never used smartphones or previously received benefits from the "Fifty-Fifty" program, came to seek assistance. Many had just purchased new smartphones and asked bank staff to install and update the latest PromptPay app, verify their identity, update user information, change phone numbers, open new accounts, and complete other transactions necessary for registration.
The bank set up chairs in front of Phu Khiao Subdistrict Municipality office, directly across from the bank, and provided dedicated staff and special counters offering one-stop service to guide residents through the registration process throughout the day.
