Finance Ministry Signals Thai Helping Thai Registration Opening Late May with 30 Million Beneficiaries, Age Eligibility Under Review
Thailand's Finance Ministry approved a 400 billion baht borrowing decree to partly fund the Thai Helping Thai Plus program, with registration expected to open by late May for approximately 30 million beneficiaries. The government is still r
On May 5, 2026 at 13:35 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasoet announced that the cabinet has approved a 400 billion baht borrowing decree. After publication in the Royal Gazette on May 14th, the decree must go before parliament and be subject to a project screening committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry. The framework emphasizes transparency and information disclosure, with all projects requiring cabinet approval.
When asked whether the borrowing decree would fund the Thai Helping Thai Plus program, Ekniti confirmed it is one project aligned with the objectives of assisting citizens and entrepreneurs, with funding coming partly from this source and partly from a budget reallocation law. He stated the government would gradually borrow funds rather than taking a lump sum to avoid accumulating costs.
Regarding the number of beneficiaries, Ekniti said authorities are still considering the details but preliminary budget projections suggest approximately 30 million entitlements. This number should be sufficient, as previous programs achieved a maximum of 28 million beneficiaries. The question of whether beneficiaries must be over 18 years old requires further review. Registration for state welfare card holders is expected to open simultaneously by late May.
