Bangkok (VNA) – The private sector in Thailand expects that the Khon La Khrueng Plus (Let’s Go Halves Plus) co-payment scheme, set to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2025, will inject approximately 200 billion THB (over 6.1 billion USD) into the economy.
Saengchai Teerakulwanich, President of the Thai SME Confederation, assessed that this is a significant economic stimulus policy.
It is expected to help distribute income to local communities, vulnerable populations, and SMEs in trade, services, industry, and even upstream farmers. This will likely contribute to the expansion of Thailand's GDP by the end of the year.
The initiative aims to enhance purchasing power for over 33 million people, divided into three main groups: state welfare cardholders (13 million people), non-tax filers (9 million people), and tax filers (11 million people).
It is anticipated to stimulate the economy in 2–3 cycles, with the 200 billion THB circulating across convenience stores, restaurants, and the entire supply chain, including upstream farmers, factories, producers, processors, and downstream retailers.
Saengchai emphasised that the success of government policies to support SMEs depends on aligning them with tax system reforms and complementary measures.
He proposed the government design continuous measures such as the co-payment for social security scheme to reduce the living costs of low-income workers, alongside supporting local content in government procurement./.
Thailand considers pension savings scheme from unclaimed lottery purchases
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, said the project is expected to be launched within the next four months. The new initiative will see a portion of the price of non-winning digital lottery tickets automatically channelled into a dedicated savings account.
