Thailand Launches 40-Baht Meal Subsidy Program
Thailand's government is launching a subsidy program allowing restaurants to sell complete meals for 40 baht, with participating eateries receiving ingredient cost assistance to support affordable dining for workers.
BANGKOK — 11 July 2026, Thailand's Commerce Ministry is preparing to launch a nationwide programme encouraging participating restaurants to sell rice-and-side-dish and other ready-to-eat meals for no more than 40 baht per plate, with the government providing financial support to help offset ingredient costs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the proposed initiative, tentatively named "Khao Kaeng Thai Chuay Thai" (Thai Helps Thai Rice-and-Side-Dish Programme), will build on the existing Thai Help Thai Plus programme as part of broader efforts to reduce living costs for the public, particularly salaried workers.
Under the proposal, restaurants joining the scheme would voluntarily offer selected ready-to-eat dishes that meet quality and portion standards at a maximum price of 40 baht per serving. A typical meal would include rice served with at least two side dishes.
To help participating businesses absorb costs, the government plans to provide subsidies for cooking ingredients. Officials are considering assistance packages of 3,000 baht, 5,000 baht or 10,000 baht per restaurant.
The ministry expects to pilot the programme with 100,000 restaurants from a network of around 250,000 eateries already affiliated with the Commerce Ministry or participating in the Thai Help Thai Plus scheme.
The project is expected to run for at least three months and could begin immediately after receiving Cabinet approval. The Department of Internal Trade is finalising the proposal for submission to the Cabinet during the third week of July.
Suphajee stressed that participation would be entirely voluntary and that the government would not impose price controls on restaurants. Instead, businesses choosing to join the programme would receive support in exchange for offering affordable meal options.
Participating restaurants would also receive official signs to display at their storefronts, making it easier for customers to identify outlets offering the subsidised 40-baht meals.
If the pilot proves successful, the Commerce Ministry plans to expand the programme and increase the number of participating restaurants nationwide.
