Vendors in Khon Kaen support the government extending the 'Thai Chuey Thai Plus' program until the New Year to help stimulate the economy and serve as a gift to the Thai people.
At 2:00 p.m. on 12 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at the 3 Nong Waeng Food and Service Center inside Khon Kaen University, reporters asked vendors participating in the 'Thai Chuey Thai Plus' program about their views on a possible extension. Most expressed a desire for the program to continue through the New Year festival, seeing it as a way to maintain economic momentum and as a gift to the public during the holiday season.
Ms. Piyathida Yothep, 29, a vendor, said the 'Thai Chuey Thai Plus' program has effectively stimulated spending. Previously, customers might spend 20 baht, but with the program, purchases increased to 40, 60, or 80 baht depending on customer convenience, leading to higher overall spending. However, the program is set to end at the end of September, and she personally believes vendors are preparing for a potential drop in sales.
"Vendors have prepared themselves, but if the program is extended, as recent news suggests, it could continue stimulating sales through the New Year. This would be a New Year gift for vendors. If the government kindly extends it for another 2-3 months, it would be a strong economic boost for both vendors and the general public. So far, sales have increased about 20%, and an extension would be very beneficial," Ms. Piyathida said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thanongsak Sutiprapa, 59, a vendor, said the 'Thai Chuey Thai Plus' program has greatly helped shops because customers are spending more, which also helps save money. About 90% of vendors in this market participate in the program, which mainly helps reduce daily living expenses. Without it, or if it ends, sales might drop by about 20-30% compared to when the program was active.
"According to news that the government plans to extend the 'Thai Chuey Thai Plus' program by another two months, this would be a gift to the public and vendors, as the extension would cover the New Year period. It would help stimulate the economy, help people save money, and reduce daily expenses. Vendors and customers alike have expressed a unanimous wish for the government to continue the program through the New Year as a gift to the people," he said.