Thailand's Cash Handout Program Phase 2 Launches October
Thailand launches Phase 2 of its cash handout program October 1, distributing 1,000 baht per person over two months with a 60/40 co-payment model to boost household spending and economic growth amid energy price volatility.
Phase 2 of the Thailand Helping Thailand Plus (60/40) program will distribute 1,000 baht per person over two months from October 1 to November 30, 2025. The Cabinet approved the adjusted program to mitigate impacts from energy price volatility and prolonged regional instability, protecting household purchasing power, private consumption, economic growth, and small business operations.
The program comprises two measures: an increase to state welfare cardholder benefits for 2025, and the supplementary Thailand Helping Thailand Plus (60/40) Phase 2, with combined borrowing authorization not exceeding 42.69 billion baht.
Phase 2 targets both current program beneficiaries and new applicants holding 2025 state welfare cards or registering for the first time. Participants must be Thai nationals aged 18 or older with a valid national ID card, and must not have been flagged or had funds recalled under seven previous government cash schemes including all phases of the Handout programs.
Spending Details: Each participant receives 1,000 baht. The co-payment model continues at 60% state subsidy with 40% citizen contribution, capped at 200 baht daily per person. Spending runs October 1 to November 30, 2025. Citizens confirm eligibility via the Pao Tang mobile app (October 1–15), while merchants confirm via the Tung Ngern app (October 1 through November 30). Purchases include food, beverages, goods, and designated services between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., with food delivery orders available 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. through registered providers.
The Cabinet also approved a separate measure to top up state welfare cards with an additional 1,000 baht for one month, targeting low-income households vulnerable to energy price shocks. Recipients must have qualified for the 2025 state welfare card program before October 1, 2025. The regular monthly welfare benefit remains 300 baht per person.
