Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, announced the new "Thai Help Thai Plus" project, which combines the previous "Half-Price" project with the state welfare card program. He stated that registration will open on May 25th and the project will begin on June 1st, 2026. He emphasized that this project aims to alleviate the high cost of living for citizens amidst the energy crisis and its related complications.

According to Thai News Agency, participating shops will include both government welfare card holders (Thong Fah stores) and those from the previous "Half-Price" program. The number of eligible shops is still being carefully considered. Eligibility requires individuals aged 18 and above. The plan involves new registration in two phases, each lasting two months, with a monthly payment of 1,000 baht for four consecutive months. This is to facilitate data processing.

Eligible individuals must have an annual income of less than 100,000 baht; currently, there are 13.2 million such individuals. The Ministry of Finance will verify this information with the Ministry of Interior. Those receiving state welfare benefits will continue to receive benefits under the existing criteria, with an increase of 300 baht, bringing the total to 1,000 baht (from the original 700 baht), and will not be required to co-pay the 40% portion under the "half-half" scheme.