Bangkok: The Prime Minister has officially launched a new initiative aimed at reducing the cost of living for millions of households. This initiative, titled "Thai Helps Thai, Reduce the Burden of Living," involves a convoy of mobile vendors distributing affordable goods to over 4 million households across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, the launch event took place at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House, where Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a press conference. The project, "Thai Helps Thai, Reduce the Burden of Living: Mobile Commercial Vehicles Reduce Prices to Help the People," was announced to distribute special-priced goods through mobile vendors. The Prime Minister emphasized the high quality of the products, which are sold at prices lower than the market, and encouraged public participation with confidence.
The project, spanning from May 15 to June 14, 2026, aims to distribute consumer goods at discounted rates to communities across the country. This effort is a collaboration involving the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and participating businesses. It targets savings of at least 280 million baht, providing relief to over 4 million households, especially those in remote areas with limited access to affordable goods.
Under this initiative, 14 essential consumer goods from 12 manufacturers, including items like palm oil, rice, and detergent, will be sold through a network of over 3,800 mobile vendors, 946 post office sales points, and 129 community shops. To support mobile vendors, fuel subsidies are provided through PTT gas station Fleet Cards or Top-up Cards, with varying amounts based on vehicle type.
Additionally, vendors receive starter kits containing essential items to help them begin operations. Different kits are provided based on the type of vehicle used by the vendors, ensuring they have the necessary supplies to serve the community effectively.
Participants are required to sell the goods at specified prices and display price tags clearly to prevent price gouging and assure the public of access to special-priced goods. Registration for mobile food vendors was conducted by the Ministry of Interior's Department of Provincial Administration, resulting in 10,397 vendors signing up for the project, categorized by vehicle type.