Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is launching the 'Thai Helps Thai Plus: Back to School 2026' project, offering discounts up to 86% to help reduce the cost of living by over 300 million baht. Meanwhile, school uniform manufacturers are maintaining their current prices and are preparing to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to provide cost-of-living reductions in 1,000 schools nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the period leading up to the start of the school year sees increased expenses for parents. These include costs for school uniforms, shoes, school supplies, food, and the overall cost of living, which is affected by various rising costs, particularly energy and transportation prices. Therefore, the Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Internal Trade, is launching the "Back To School 2026" (Open School Year, Easy on the Wallet) project under the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" initiative to help alleviate the financial burden on parents and students nationwide.
This year, 49 businesses are participating in the project, comprising 20 manufacturers, 17 distributors, 10 service providers, and online platforms Lazada and Shopee. The project covers over 1,000 essential educational products and services, with discount events running from April 30th to May 31st, 2026 (32 days total), offering discounts up to 86%. It is expected to reduce the cost of living for the public by at least 300 million baht. The public can also access the "Back to School 2026 Shopping Guide" e-catalog, which compiles products, promotions, and services, through the Department of Internal Trade's online channels.
The Ministry of Commerce has also collaborated with the Ministry of Education to prepare activities to alleviate the cost of living for parents and students in over 1,000 schools nationwide. The Ministry of Education will select schools in need and located in underserved areas, while the Department of Internal Trade will distribute goods at affordable prices.
Participating products offer various discounts, including school uniforms from Suksa Phan, Somjai Nook, Wacharakorn, Samor, and Nomjit; school shoes from ADDA; school supplies from The Mall, B2S, OfficeMate, and SE-ED; dairy products such as FandN, Nestle, Hi-Q, Nong Pho, Lactasoy, Thai-Denmark, Vitamilk, mMILK, Dutch Mill, and Foremost; office supplies and electronics from DoHome, Power Buy, and Global House; eyewear from Top Charoen and Beautiful Eyewear; internet packages from True with discounts up to 68%; and exclusive privileges from AIS, including 3 months of free Alisa AI Premium. Special rates on delivery services from Thailand Post are also available, starting at just 30 baht per kilogram.
On the learning and skills development side, participating businesses are offering discounts on courses and services, such as OpenDurian (up to 75% off), We by The Brain (up to 50% off), and Yamaha Music School (up to 20% off). Additionally, free trial lessons and waived registration fees are offered for several courses.
Mr. Anont Chitmeesilp, the founder of Nomjit School Uniforms, stated that, overall, most manufacturers and entrepreneurs of school uniforms are maintaining their prices at the same level this year. This is especially true for school uniforms, which remain at the same price as last year, despite increases in several areas. This is to help alleviate the financial burden on parents during the start of the school year.