Thailand Approves Extension of Aid Program Phase 2
Thailand's government approved an extension of its Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Phase 2 aid program, which will include cash allowances and welfare card benefits to ease financial hardship amid rising inflation and U.S. interest rate increa
On September 18, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister revealed approval in principle for extending the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Phase 2 program. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayoon had already submitted the proposal, with detailed conditions to be announced formally by Ekniti. When asked about the reported 1,000-baht single-use allowance over two months, the prime minister insisted Ekniti should clarify the specifics to avoid overlapping responsibilities, but called it good news. The program will include both the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Phase 2 initiative and the state welfare card, designed for broad coverage.
Regarding the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate increase of 0.25 percent—the first in over three years—Anuthin stated the government will avoid measures that burden citizens. Multiple strategies exist to ease public hardship, with the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus program serving as one initiative to reduce the financial impact of current economic conditions. When asked whether additional measures would follow in December and January, the prime minister clarified that this policy is not populism but rather economic stimulus combined with cost relief for all citizens during a period of high inflation.
