Pradorn hinted that the “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” or “Half-Half Plus” program will have the government paying 60% and citizens paying 40%. He emphasized that the government is not financially broke, with funds available from the central budget and the Budget Transfer Act. He referred questions about when the 500-billion-baht loan decree will be presented to the cabinet to Deputy Prime Minister Akniti.
At 08:45 on 23 April 2026 GMT+7. Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, spoke about the progress of the policy “Thai Chuey Thai Plus” or the policy “Half-Half Plus” he said, that payments to citizens will be made at a 60:40 ratio (government pays 60%, citizens pay 40%). Regarding whether the government will pay citizens in a single lump sum or in installments over four months, Pradorn said it is still under consideration.
As for participant eligibility, Pradorn stated it remains the same as before: participants must be at least 18 years old. The number of beneficiaries depends on how much budget the government allocates. If paying 20-30 million people, the required amount must be calculated. This must be considered alongside state welfare cardholders (low-income cardholders), who number 13.4 million, to determine how much budget remains to implement the Thai Chuey Thai Plus policy.
When asked about the source of funds to manage this program, Pradorn said all options are possible. The funding sources include the central budget for 2026 and the 2026 Budget Transfer Act to be enacted in June, which will have a substantial amount of funds available.
When reporters asked if the budget framework meeting for fiscal year 2027 held on 22 April among four agencies discussed the 500-billion-baht loan decree, Pradorn replied that it was not discussed. Instead, it was a medium-term work plan presenting an overall economic picture.
. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Akniti Nitithanprapas acknowledged that the 500-billion-baht loan decree will be issued, but regarding when it will be submitted to the cabinet meeting, Pradorn said to ask Akniti since he has no details on this matter. Regarding the economic cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday, 27 April, Pradorn said he has not seen the agenda and there is no official meeting appointment yet.
When asked again whether the government is still able to spend normally and is not financially broke, Pradorn responded that funds remain available, including a 20-billion-baht central budget and the upcoming Budget Transfer Act.