On the first day of spending under "Thai Help Thai Plus," market shops were very lively. Customers came to stock up on products, and vendors smiled as sales rose by 20-30% on just the first day.
On 1 June 2026, reporters observed that the atmosphere for spending through the "Thai Help Thai Plus" program on its first day was bustling in many areas. For example, at Phra Pradaeng fresh market in Samut Prakan province, people steadily came out to shop for daily necessities, paying via the program by scanning with smartphones. Some even had to top up their accounts because their prepared funds ran out, reflecting a renewed strong purchasing power. Although the government support ratio was 60 to 40, it significantly eased living costs, especially as prices for many goods remain high.
The system’s ease of use received praise for being convenient and fast, with smooth scanning and no disruptions as some had worried. It is expected that continued support measures like this will stimulate the community economy and generate income for vendors in fresh markets very effectively.
Meanwhile, a vendor said that people started using the "Thai Help Thai Plus" program as early as 6 a.m., describing it as very busy compared to the previous week. No issues with scanning payments were reported.
It wasn’t just spending via the "Thai Help Thai Plus" app Paotang; today, state welfare cardholders also received an increased welfare amount—an additional 700 baht, raising the total from 300 to 1,000 baht per person. This encouraged locals to come out early to buy household goods and daily necessities.
In Huai Rat district, Buriram province, at shops and grocery stores near Huai Rat Hospital, residents and elderly people gradually came to buy fresh and dried food products in large numbers for cooking and household use.
Some villagers holding state welfare cards expressed happiness over receiving an extra 700 baht monthly, helping ease their expenses. However, some mostly carry cash and lack bank accounts to transfer money into the Paotang app. Shops provided convenience for these customers. Vendors said this was a beneficial side effect because whenever such assistance programs are launched, spending tends to increase beyond normal days.
At Mae Klong and Rom Hoop markets in Samut Songkhram province, the shopping atmosphere noticeably revived. People said government support programs helped reduce living costs, allowing them to spend more and alleviate their burden, especially during times of high living expenses.
Meanwhile, shop operators at Mae Klong market acknowledged that consumer purchasing power has increased compared to before. Many shops saw sales rise by an average of 20-30%, leading to greater cash flow in the local economy. They hope this economic stimulus program will boost consumer purchasing power, encourage domestic spending, and generate more financial circulation at the grassroots economic level.