Thailand Extends Cost-of-Living Aid and Restores Student Benefits
Thailand's Cabinet extended cost-of-living aid through November, providing 1,000-baht monthly allowances to vulnerable households and restoring student welfare benefits to address economic hardship.
Thailand's Cabinet has approved a two-month extension of the Thai Chuay Thai Plus cost-of-living programme, giving recipients a 1,000-baht spending allowance for October and November. The measure, approved Tuesday, will be funded under a 2026 emergency decree authorising the Finance Ministry to borrow money to address the impact of the energy crisis.
The Cabinet also approved additional support for State Welfare Card recipients. Eligible people will receive 1,000 baht in October, up from the regular monthly amount of 300 baht.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the expanded programme is intended to support vulnerable people, reduce household expenses, sustain consumer spending and help small traders remain in business. The Thai Chuay Thai Plus (60/40) component will also be expanded, with the government describing it as part of its effort to maintain economic stability.
In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved revised eligibility criteria for the State Welfare Card programme, restoring benefits for school students, vocational students and learners under the Department of Learning Encouragement. Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan Kankittinan said the change was intended to address the effects of earlier rules, which had left some students choosing between continuing their education and retaining access to state welfare benefits.
The Cabinet also approved eight senior Finance Ministry appointments and transfers. Theerarak Saengsanit was appointed director-general of the Treasury Department, while Salakjit Pongsirichan was appointed director-general of the Revenue Department. Most of the changes will take effect on 1 October.
Meanwhile, an Energy Ministry source said Thailand's Oil Fuel Fund remains short of cash despite a recent decline in oil prices. The fund's deficit stands at about 92 billion baht and is rising by an average of around 700 million baht a day. The deficit is expected to reach 100 billion baht by late September or early October. Officials are considering a new borrowing plan to support the fund's liquidity, though the final amount has yet to be determined.
