PM Anutin Takes on Vendor Role, Rides Mobile Cart with Deputy PM Supachai to Launch Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Program

On May 12, 2569 at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Commerce Minister presided over the opening of the 'Thailand Helps Thailand: Reduce Living Cost Burden through Mobile Cart Commerce' program, with Deputy PM Supachai Suthiramphan in attendance. Upon arrival, PM Anutin drove a modified three-wheeled cart with Deputy PM Supachai riding along around Santimaitri Building before heading to Thai Koo Fah Building, where he took on the role of a mobile vendor selling consumer goods at affordable prices.

When asked what items were for sale, the PM listed cucumbers, Thai melons, breadfruit, custard apples, mangosteen, and other produce. Deputy PM Supachai urged all Thai people to participate in supporting local businesses. The PM noted that the mobile carts would travel through villages offering prices 10 percent lower than market rates, depending on promotions and merchandise. Products included seasonings, soy sauce, fish sauce, and instant noodles with verified quality and taste standards.

Deputy PM Supachai explained this was an expansion of efforts by the Department of Internal Administration to distribute these products across all districts and remote communities. The PM invited the public to shop, assuring them these are genuine bargains below market and department store prices, made possible through cooperation from various business owners without quality compromise.

Supachai emphasized the lower prices were intentional, designed to ease the financial burden on Thai citizens through products registered with the Department of Internal Administration. The PM added that businesses initially use the sales income to restock the carts, with government support including fuel card assistance. When asked if the program could continue even if the economy improves, Supachai confirmed it could, as they intend to incorporate small business consumer products and sustain the initiative long-term.

Toward the end, the PM demonstrated how to prepare dishes using the program's kale, sauces, and seasonings, as well as instant noodles. Afterward, both officials returned to Santimaitri Building to view products from various brands in the Thailand Helps Thailand program.

The 'Thailand Helps Thailand: Reduce Living Cost Burden through Mobile Cart Commerce' program will run for three months to align with the government's economic stimulus and cost-of-living relief measures, such as the 'Every Person 2,000 Baht Plus' scheme. The first phase runs from May 15 to June 14, 2569 for 30 days, offering 14 essential product categories from 12 business operators at special prices through community channels including mobile carts, community shops, and Thailand Post service points.