The Prime Minister inspected product prices under the “Thai Help Thai” project, suggesting a dedicated zone for easier access. He encouraged people to buy project products, affirmed the upcoming Co-Payment Plus program, and encountered citizens pleading, “Please help, fuel is expensive.” A man approached asking, “Are the rich the people or the oil tycoons?”
At 14:00 on 4 Apr 2026 GMT+7, at Lotus Bangkapi, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wutikrai Leewiraphan, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Ratchada Thanadirek, and party-list MP Traisuli Traisornkul of the Bhumjaithai Party and former Prime Minister's Secretary-General, conducted a price survey of products under the Thai Help Thai project. The Prime Minister wore casual navy blue long pants and a T-shirt.
Upon arrival, several citizens greeted him, saying, “You look better in person than on TV.” Many citizens approached to take photos and said, “We have previously benefited from the Co-Payment program.”
Additionally, a man approached the Prime Minister asking, “When you say 'too rich to handle,' do you mean the people or the oil tycoons?” The Prime Minister did not hear this question as he was taking photos with citizens.
The Prime Minister then proceeded inside the Lotus shopping center to examine products participating in the Thai Help Thai project aimed at reducing living costs. This government policy supports citizens during the Middle East crisis, offering essential consumer goods clearly marked with “Thai Help Thai Project” signs. He suggested grouping these products in one zone to make shopping easier and invited the public to purchase these items, which are about 20% cheaper and of good quality.
At one point, the Prime Minister told the public, “Today I came to check prices and encourage buying products marked under the Thai Help Thai project because they are cheaper.”
Reporters noted that while the Prime Minister was viewing project products, citizens approached him saying, “Prime Minister, please help. Fuel is expensive; we can’t go anywhere. Nowadays, we’re afraid to leave the house. Prices are high; please help. People will die if this continues. My daughter-in-law sells goods but can’t sell anything.”
After inspecting the Thai Help Thai products, the Prime Minister stopped at a watch store and bought a CASIO wristwatch, saying, “I used to wear one when I was a child.” When reporters asked why he decided to buy it, the Prime Minister showed a store sign stating Sale 60%.
At 15:20, after inspecting prices, the Prime Minister said, “It’s not exactly a random inspection, but I’m interested because the Commerce Ministry arranged for essential consumer goods to be sold cheaper than normal prices. I wanted to see how effectively these products are distributed, so I came to Lotus Bangkapi first. The store manager reported that many items are priced below normal, though they might not be familiar brands since marketing costs were removed to offer lower prices. I encourage people to look for these products when shopping; all malls—not just Lotus—offer such items at prices about 20-30% below usual.”
He invited the public to look for Thai Help Thai labeled products at various malls, which offer goods for regular use at significantly lower prices.
The Prime Minister then spoke with citizens, who asked about the Co-Payment Plus program after 30 Apr. “Will it continue?” The Prime Minister nodded and said, “Yes, it will continue.” When citizens asked further, “Will it work the same as before?” Anutin replied, “It’s a Plus version, covering more than before, with the same 2,000 baht amount.”
Citizens told the Prime Minister that the economy is bad and requested more financial aid as they have waited a long time. Anutin said that after the policy announcement, various measures will begin. When asked if more aid is possible, he said it might be offered more frequently depending on available funds, implemented in phases.
Reporters asked the Prime Minister about rumors of giving 200 baht for 10 months. Anutin asked where that news came from and clarified that the Co-Payment program is offered in phases.