The Prime Minister explains that the “Thai Help Thai Plus” loan has a low interest rate of just 1.2%, assuring it does not impose a burden on the public, while showcasing that sales at participating stores have surged fivefold.
On 15 June 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed criticism regarding the "Thai Help Thai Plus (60/40)" loan program, affirming that it does not pass the debt burden onto the public but instead injects funds into the economy at a much lower cost than originally expected.
The Prime Minister detailed the budget side, stating that the government’s funding source for this program is highly secure because it involves borrowing domestically in Thai baht, eliminating exchange rate risks. Furthermore, the government was able to negotiate an exceptionally low interest rate of 1.2% per year, compared to the previously estimated cap of 3% per year. The government is responsible for repaying both interest and principal itself, ensuring no impact on citizens or any measures that would increase their cost of living.
After chairing an event with major food delivery platforms (LINE MAN, Grab, Shopee), Anutin highlighted that the program uses a co-pay model benefiting all parties (a win-win) and helps small businesses access AI technology for long-term adaptation. Current feedback shows participating stores have on average increased sales fivefold, with some stores achieving sales growth of nine to ten times. It is expected that by the program’s end, these stores will sustainably double their income base.
The Prime Minister concluded by urging the public to have confidence in the government’s intention to stand alongside and support the Thai economy amid current external crises.