Bangkok: The Ministry of Finance is rigorously implementing measures to ensure citizens and merchants adhere to the Half-Half Plus scheme. A Ministry spokesperson has emphasized the criteria and conditions of the program, which led to the suspension of 55 merchants due to unusual behaviors involving currency exchanges and cash scanning away from the point of sale.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Winij Wisetsuvarnabhumi, Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, has reported progress in the use of the Half-Half Plus program. Over 6 billion baht has been spent through the initiative, allowing people to make payments at participating merchants until December 31, 2025, via the G-Wallet in the “Paotang” application. The program does not require a minimum spend of 200 baht per day.
As of October 31, 2025, data shows that 780,659 stores have successfully registered for the project. The Ministry reiterates that spending under the program must be for specific goods and services, excluding items such as government lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products. Transactions must be conducted face-to-face, with QR code scanning, except for those using approved food delivery platforms.
The Ministry has advised massage and spa operators to ensure their establishment details in the “Tung Ngern” application match their health licenses to facilitate verification. The Ministry has suspended 55 merchants as of October 31, 2025, for engaging in behaviors that undermine the program’s goals, such as exchanging money without actual purchases and misrepresenting prices.
The Ministry warns that it will take full legal action against fraudulent activities, emphasizing the program’s aim to alleviate financial burdens and stimulate the economy through honest transactions. Merchants are reminded not to exploit the program by raising prices unreasonably.
For further assistance, the public and merchants can contact the help center or visit the project website for more information. Complaints and reports of corruption can be sent to the Ministry via email or registered mail, with assurances of confidentiality. Merchants who wish to appeal suspensions from the program can submit objections to the Director of the Fiscal Policy Office.