Buriram residents are asking the government to extend the 1,000 baht “Poor Card” benefits alongside the “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” program, hoping to help reduce living costs and stimulate the community economy as a New Year's gift, as both the State Welfare Card and Thai Chuey Thai Plus programs are set to end in September.
On 14 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, stated that the “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” program is entering its final month, with about 40-50 billion baht in unused funds remaining due to incomplete registration by citizens. He has instructed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas to consider extending the program’s duration by 1-2 months within the existing budget framework.
The Prime Minister said the extension will provide continuous assistance to the public during the last quarter of the year — October, November, and December. The remaining budget will be used as much as possible within the available limits to help ease citizens’ burdens, especially given the rising fuel costs.
A reporter interviewed Wannaprapa Wongkhun, 45, a fruit vendor at Ban Kruad Municipality Market, Ban Kruad district, Buriram province. She acknowledged that the government’s “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” program has helped stimulate the economy in the Thai-Cambodian border area, particularly during the indefinite closure of the Chong Sae Ta Ku border checkpoint.
Wannaprapa said if the government could extend the “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” program, it would further encourage consumer spending amid rising living costs and fuel prices. She urged the government to consider extending the program until the end of the year, as it is the festive season welcoming the New Year, which would likely increase money circulation within the community.
Meanwhile, Maliwan Inchun, 65, a steak vendor in Ban Kruad Municipality, said she would welcome an extension of the “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” program because it would provide more spending opportunities for people and help maintain income flow within the community.
Additionally, Jamchan Homhuan, 53, a resident of Wang Nuea subdistrict, Ban Dan district, Buriram, said she heard that the government is considering extending the “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” program by 1-2 months. She views this as positive because it helps reduce the financial burden on citizens.
Jamchan also appealed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to consider extending the assistance program for State Welfare Card holders, known as the “Poor Card,” which provides 300 baht plus an additional 700 baht monthly, totaling 1,000 baht per person per month. This program is currently scheduled to end in September.
“I hope the government will consider extending the Poor Card program alongside the Thai Chuey Thai Plus project because people still face high living costs. Continued support would help ease their difficulties and increase money circulation within communities,” Jamchan said.