Finance Ministry Extends Thai Stimulus Program to Aid Rising Energy Costs
Thailand's Finance Ministry is expediting a decision on extending the Thai Help Thai Plus stimulus program by one to two months to help citizens cope with rising energy costs and inflation. A conclusion is expected within 2–3 weeks.
The Finance Ministry is urgently considering a one- to two-month extension of the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program to ease the cost of living and sustain consumer spending, following the first phase's circulation of 150 billion baht.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that the ministry is accelerating its review of extending the Thai Help Thai Plus (60/40) Phase 2 program because the conflict situation remains unresolved and energy prices remain high, burdening household expenses. The ministry will examine both extension options and suitable assistance formats.
The Finance Ministry still has available funds for the program, while most traders and merchants in the market have requested a one- to two-month expansion. The ministry is therefore rushing its review, with a conclusion expected within 2–3 weeks or by end of September 2025.
Ekniti explained that the Thai Help Thai Plus program originated from an energy crisis and oil price surge, but the current situation still involves conflict and rising oil prices, making it necessary to urgently consider measures to reduce the public's living costs.
Currently, approximately 26 million citizens are using the Thai Help Thai Plus program, plus 13 million state welfare card holders, totaling around 40 million people. About 1.2 million merchants participate in the program, with total circulating funds of approximately 150 billion baht.
Among participating merchants, approximately 16–17 percent are based in Bangkok, while the remainder are distributed nationwide, mostly small and micro retailers. This reflects that the program helps not only reduce the public's cost of living but also boosts purchasing power and encourages traders and merchants to sustain sales revenue and continue business operations.
Ekniti stated that the majority view the program as highly effective in helping Thais reduce living costs, especially during the energy crisis period. Therefore, the Finance Ministry will expedite its review to reach a conclusion promptly.
