Thailand Launches Phase 2 Budget Shopping at District Offices

The Commerce Ministry, in collaboration with the Interior Ministry, is advancing Phase 2 of the 'Thai Help Thai' program at district offices across Thailand to ease the cost of living burden on citizens following the first phase's success. Commerce Ministry Business Development Department Director General Poonpong Nayanapikarun announced the launch, with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthirthamphand and Deputy Interior Minister Polapir Suwannachuea jointly approving the continuation to ease living costs and stimulate the grassroots economy.

The Phase 1 events, held five times nationwide beginning May 1, 2025, offered affordable consumer goods every Friday throughout May at 878 district offices nationwide. The program proved highly successful, generating 135.40 million baht in sales through 51,491 participating shops and attracting over 1.08 million shoppers, while saving residents 29.62 million baht in expenses. Best-selling items included cooking oil, chicken and duck eggs, laundry products, fabric softeners, and sugar.

Following Phase 1's success, Phase 2 will continue with shopping events on 'every other Friday' from July through September 2025. The Commerce Ministry has partnered with leading retailers including Makro, Lotus's, Big C, Tops, GO Wholesale, and CJ MORE to offer house brands and promotional items at special prices from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at district offices. The seven scheduled shopping days are: July 3, 17, and 31; August 14 and 28; and September 11 and 25, 2025.

Beyond reducing household expenses, the program supports local entrepreneurs and small-medium enterprises with increased sales and income opportunities. The initiative invites citizens to purchase quality goods at affordable prices at their nearest district office and thanks the Department of Local Administration and all district officers for their support in Phase 1 and Phase 2, beginning Friday, July 3, 2025.