Commerce Ministry Showcases 'Thais Helping Thais' Program Success in Reducing Cost of Living
The Commerce Ministry's 'Thais Helping Thais' program has expanded affordable product distribution across modern retailers, local shops, online platforms, and district offices nationwide since April, while also supporting small businesses t
The Ministry of Commerce through the Business Development Department reported successful results from the 'Thais Helping Thais' initiative, which has provided relief to citizens' cost of living burdens and stimulated grassroots economic growth. On April 27, 2025, Poonpong Naiyanaphakorn, Director-General of the Business Development Department under the Ministry of Commerce, revealed that amid the energy crisis affecting current economic conditions, managing the cost of living burden has become a priority for the government.
One of the concrete and clearly effective mechanisms is the distribution of 'Thais Helping Thais' products, with the Commerce Ministry focusing on expanding channels for citizens to access quality products at affordable prices. The products have been distributed through two important phases covering all access channels for the public as follows:
Phase 1 involved partnering with Modern Trade retailers beginning April 1, 2025. The ministry coordinated with major department stores and modern retail chains including TOPs, BigC, Lotus's, Makro, and Go Wholesale to offer essential consumer goods at special discounted prices. The focus was on accessible sales points with large stock quantities to create widespread price reduction momentum from day one. Simultaneously, the initiative expanded to local wholesale and retail shops nationwide, ensuring that regional consumers could access affordable products without traveling far.
The program also penetrated the online market to match current digital shopping behaviors through partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms and delivery services including GrabMart, Lineman, TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada. Promotional campaigns on mobile applications included discount coupons and free shipping offers, resulting in increased sales of 'Thais Helping Thais' products across all online channels.
The latest expansion involved partnering with the Department of Local Administration under the Interior Ministry to establish 'Thais Helping Thais' sales points at district offices nationwide, creating grassroots distribution centers. Vulnerable groups and residents in all areas can benefit from the government's cost-of-living relief measures to the maximum. Sales began on Friday, May 1, 2025, continuing every Friday in May (1, 8, 15, 22, 29).
Phase 2 involves promoting products from capable SME entrepreneurs on online platforms, piloting with 2,000 entrepreneurs to expand sales channels and stimulate grassroots economy. The ministry provides free shipping and 100-baht discount coupons totaling 500,000 units, while online platforms waive their GP fees. This phase begins in May.
This approach not only provides short-term relief from cost of living burdens but also serves as a cooperation mechanism between the public and private sectors to strengthen Thailand's economic system while establishing foundations for stable and sustainable long-term growth.
Currently, 'Thais Helping Thais' has become an important model integrating cooperation among government, private sector, and local communities. It not only reduces expenses and cost of living for citizens but also creates commercial opportunities for Thai SME producers to grow alongside this collaborative effort.
