Small retailers have stocked up waiting for the 'Thai Chua Thai Plus Phase 2' program as the government prepares to extend it for another two months. Shop owners urged the government, "Please don’t disappoint us, because we have already stocked up."
Update on the project "Thai Chua Thai Plus" After the government "Anutin Charnvirakul" extended the financial injection measure into the economy to ease living costs through the "Thai Chua Thai Plus 60/40" program, for an additional two months, providing funds through the "Paotang" application. The details of this extension will be proposed to the Cabinet meeting today (22 Sep 2026 GMT+7) on whether to distribute 1,000 baht per month as before or a single 1,000 baht for use over two months.
Yesterday (21 Sep 2026 GMT+7), reporters visited Piyawat Minimart in Nong Yang Subdistrict, Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province, a large local retail store participating in the Thai Chua Thai Plus program. The government plans to extend the program for another two months while maintaining the 60:40 co-payment format.
When asked, Mrs. Jongkol Nimpraya, 61, owner of Piyawat Minimart, said customers continue to use their rights to buy products steadily, though not as actively as during the monthly fund top-ups. Regarding the government's plan to extend the program for another two months, she said it was a good move that would help circulate money in the system and further stimulate local spending.
If the government extends the program until the end of the year, it would benefit both the public and small business operators. She hopes for support of 1,000 baht per month. Meanwhile, the store has already begun ordering and stocking essential goods to prepare for customers who will use their rights if the government officially approves the extension. The owner laughed, saying, "Please don’t disappoint us because we’ve already stocked up."
Besides those who previously received benefits from the first phase of "Thai Chua Thai Plus", this time people who do not meet state welfare qualifications, or the "poor card" holders, will also receive Thai Chua Thai Plus benefits. However, details on whether they need to register additionally or can receive benefits directly through the Paotang app are still pending.
Nonetheless, those not qualifying for state welfare can download the Paotang app in advance and register. Spending through the Thai Chua Thai Plus 60/40 scheme requires using the Paotang app only, with usage starting on 1 Oct 2026 GMT+7 as well.
To register for the "Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40)" program and use the benefits, applicants must use the Paotang app. The installation steps are as follows:
1. Open the APP Store, Google Play, or Play Store on a smartphone with Android Version 10.0 or higher, or iOS Version 15.0 or higher.
2. Search for "Paotang" in the search bar.
3. Select "GET" or "Install".
4. Once installed, open the Paotang app.
5. Give consent to process identity verification data.
6. Prepare your national ID card.
7. Take a photo of the front of your ID card to verify your identity.
8. Check your ID number and enter your phone number to receive an OTP code.
9. Enter the six-digit OTP code sent to your mobile phone.
10. Fill in your ID card information.
11. Choose a method to verify your identity.